to force off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to force off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe the action of pushing or removing something away with force. Example: "He had to force off the lid of the jar because it was stuck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The air passes through the alimentary canal and accumulates behind the nymph until sufficient pressure is built up to force off the egg cap (operculum).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He carries himself, considering the circumstances he's in, like a decent person," said Vera Krichevskaya, a television producer and director who was among the founders of Dozhd (or TV Rain) an independent cable channel that the Kremlin is trying to force off the air with a ginned-up controversy over the siege of Leningrad.

The New Yorker

Earlier in the tour, Barnes had often been bowled or trapped lbw trying to force off breaks into the leg side.

Wikipedia

Comments like these reinforced the belief that the Duke and Duchess held Nazi sympathies and the effect of the abdication crisis of 1936 was to force off the throne a man with extreme political views.

Wikipedia

Finally, after 40 minutes' play, Gillespie replaced McGrath at the River End and made the breakthrough, as Hick, like many of his team-mates, tried to force off the back foot and edged to Ricky Ponting at third slip.

The Guardian - Sport

The loss of Root, soon after, caught at slip while trying to force off the back foot, was a huge blow for England, as was that of Cook, lbw to Rahat Ali for what, by his standards, was a skittish 45 with eight boundaries, although the call on the line of impact was marginal.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"No one is going to be forced off their land.

The Guardian

The report also said that electric shock batons were used to force migrants off the boats in Libya.

The New York Times

You started Farm Aid to benefit farmers who were "forced off their land to make room for subdivisions and golf courses".

The New York Times - Magazine

The pellets are subsequently heated, and the gas is forced off, to be stored in cannisters.

The New Yorker

Shingler had been a doubt for the trip to Paris after being forced off with a rib injury against Ireland.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to force off" when you want to emphasize the exertion of power or pressure to remove something or someone from a specific place or position. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and target of the force.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what or whom is being acted upon. Vague usage can lead to confusion about the target of the action. For instance, instead of saying "They forced off", specify "They forced the protesters off the property".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to force off" functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of compelling someone or something to move or be removed from a particular location or position, often against their will. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts, such as removing protesters, or ejecting from the market.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to force off" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of compelling someone or something to leave a position or location. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds its usage across various sources, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. It's important to specify the object being forced off to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "to drive away" or "to eject" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and target of the action to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to drive away

Focuses on repelling or causing to leave through sustained pressure.

to dislodge

Emphasizes removing something from a fixed position.

to eject

Highlights a sudden or forceful removal.

to compel to leave

Stresses the act of forcing someone to depart.

to push out

Implies a physical act of displacement.

to oust

Suggests removing someone from a position of power.

to remove forcibly

Highlights the use of force in the removal process.

to evict

Specifically refers to the legal expulsion from a property.

to depose

Implies removing a ruler or someone in high authority from power.

to unseat

Focuses on removing someone from a position, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "to force off" in a sentence?

You can use "to force off" to describe the act of compelling someone or something to leave a place or position, such as "The police had to "force the protesters off" the premises" or "The company is trying "to force competitors off" the market".

What are some alternatives to "to force off"?

Alternatives to "to force off" include "to drive away", "to dislodge", or "to eject", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "force off" or "force away"?

Both "force off" and "force away" can be correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Force off" often implies removing someone or something from a specific location, while "force away" suggests pushing something into the distance or preventing access.

What is the difference between "to force off" and "to push off"?

"To force off" implies a more significant exertion of power or authority in removing something or someone. "To push off" can be more casual and simply indicates a physical pushing motion, although "to push off" can also mean to depart or leave.