tip off

USAGE SUMMARY

"tip off" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It generally means to provide someone with a secret or advance knowledge of something, typically something illegal or suspicious. For example: "The police received a tip off about the drug dealing in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The postseason will tip off Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

From the sidewalk, there's little to tip off party seekers.

The New York Times

"We don't tip off ICE.

Huffington Post

Saying more, he said, would tip off his rivals.

Los Angeles Times

Then she's stupid enough to tip off her witchy captor.

Huffington Post

Tip off long stems.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The game will tip-off at 8pm.

Independent

(The tip-off is his name).

The New York Times

That seemed the case before tip-off.

The New York Times - Sports

It was 15 minutes before tip-off.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no tip-off in advance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tip off", ensure the context implies a confidential or secret piece of information being shared. It's often used in situations involving potential wrongdoing or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "tip off" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "inform" or "notify" in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tip off" primarily functions as a verb indicating the act of providing confidential or secret information to someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where information is shared discreetly, often concerning illicit activities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "tip off" means to confidentially inform someone, often about illicit or suspicious activities. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and most frequently used in News & Media. While useful, "tip off" isn't particularly common, so consider context and audience when choosing to use it. In formal communication, opt for alternatives like "inform" or "notify".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a heads-up

An informal expression for giving someone advance notice or a warning.

leak information

To disclose confidential information, often secretly or unofficially.

alert

This is a more general term for warning someone, without the implication of confidential or illicit information.

divulge a secret

To reveal a secret, implying that it was intended to be kept private.

inform

A broader term for giving someone information, which may or may not be secret or advance knowledge.

give the lowdown

Means to explain all the important details about something, often informally.

warn

Implies cautioning someone about a potential danger or problem.

let someone know

A casual way of saying to inform someone of something.

betray a confidence

To reveal information that was entrusted in secrecy, suggesting a breach of trust.

notify

A formal term for informing someone, often used in official contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "tip off" to mean providing secret or advance knowledge of something, typically illicit or suspicious. For example, "An anonymous caller "tipped off" the police about the suspect's location."

What is a less informal way to say "tip off"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "inform", "notify", or "alert" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "tip off" and "warn"?

"Tip off" suggests secretly providing information, often about wrongdoing, whereas "warn" means to caution someone about a danger or problem. "Tip off" implies inside information; "warn" implies potential harm.

When is it appropriate to use "tip off"?

It's appropriate when referring to the act of secretly informing someone of something that is not generally known, especially regarding illegal activities or confidential matters. Avoid in formal business communication.