throw off

USAGE SUMMARY

"throw off" is a commonly used and accepted phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the removal or displacement of an item or body of information, in order to change a current situation or scenario. For example, "The new policy threw off the company's research plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So throw off the bowlines.

Independent

"That would really throw off his timing".

The New York Times - Sports

That can throw off your calorie count.

The New York Times - Tech

Throw off the heavy coils of sleep!

The New Yorker

2) It'll throw off the last census.

The New York Times

Each individual should throw off constraints.

The New York Times

Throw off your cares and woes!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Did premature success throw off his development?

The New York Times - Arts

My advice: Try to throw off the smothering "parts" framework.

The New York Times - Books

Tragedies are history to throw off, a roadblock to progress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The star eventually becomes the cash throw-off for reinvestment elsewhere" [43, p. 36].

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "throw off" to mean 'confuse' or 'disrupt', ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "throw off" interchangeably with simpler verbs like "remove" or "discard" when a more specific meaning like 'confuse' or 'disrupt' is intended. Choose a more precise verb to clarify your intent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "throw off" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically functions as a transitive verb when used to describe the action of discarding something or evading something or someone, and as intransitive, when describing a confusing situation. Ludwig provides several examples of its uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "throw off" is a versatile expression with several meanings, most commonly used to indicate discarding or confusing, as stated by Ludwig AI. It's found frequently in News & Media but also in Science and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing where precision is key. Remember to consider the different meanings and nuances of this phrase when you use it. Ludwig's examples provide useful context for understanding its various applications. Be mindful of the intended nuance to avoid ambiguity, and feel free to explore semantically related phrases like "get rid of" or "shake off" to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shake off

This implies a more vigorous or deliberate effort to discard something.

get rid of

This alternative suggests a more general act of eliminating something undesirable.

shed

This implies a natural or gradual process of removal, often of something that was previously attached.

cast aside

This suggests a more forceful rejection or abandonment.

ditch

An informal way to say to abandon or get rid of someone or something.

discard

This is a formal term for getting rid of something no longer useful or desired.

eliminate

Suggests a complete removal of something unwanted or unnecessary.

lose

Implies unintentional separation or detachment.

repel

To drive something back or away, often with force.

evade

To avoid or escape something, often with cunning or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "throw off" in a sentence?

You can use "throw off" to mean 'to confuse', as in "The sudden change of plans threw me off", or 'to get rid of', as in "Time to "get rid of" old habits and "throw off" the past".

What does "throw off" mean?

"Throw off" has multiple meanings, including to confuse, disrupt, or get rid of something. The precise meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "throw off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "get rid of", "shake off", or "confuse".

Is "throw off" formal or informal?

"Throw off" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in everyday language. In very formal writing, consider using a more precise synonym for clarity.