took off

USAGE SUMMARY

"took off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of a person or object departing, like a plane, or to describe the sudden increase in popularity of something. For example: The plane quickly took off, soaring above the clouds. The new restaurant took off as soon as it opened.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Frenzied speculation took off.

The New York Times - Books

But it took off.

The New York Times

The idea took off.

The New York Times

Sales took off.

The New York Times

The vehicle took off.

The New York Times

It never took off.

The New York Times - Tech

The dress took off.

The New Yorker

"He took off running".

The New York Times

The soup took off".

The New York Times

Hamilton took off.

The New York Times - Sports

He — just took off".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clarify the meaning of "took off" with additional context, specifying whether it refers to departure, sudden success, or removal of an item.

Common error

Avoid using "took off" without sufficient context. For example, if you mean "departed", use it instead of the more ambiguous "took off" to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "took off" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of departure or sudden success. It describes a change in state, either physical (leaving a place) or metaphorical (achieving popularity or success). As Ludwig's examples show, it commonly illustrates rapid upward movement or growth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "took off" is a versatile expression used to describe departing, sudden success, or removing something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is mostly neutral it's important to provide context to prevent misinterpretation of its intended meaning. Related phrases include "departed", "became popular", and "removed", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding these aspects, writers can effectively use "took off" in various contexts. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departed

Focuses on the act of leaving, similar to one meaning of "took off".

became popular

Highlights the sudden increase in popularity, mirroring another meaning of "took off".

left

A more general term for going away from a place.

gained traction

Suggests progress and increasing acceptance or success.

sprang up

Similar meaning that something has appeared very quickly and gained success.

ascended

Implies upward movement, relevant when "took off" refers to an aircraft.

became successful

Emphasizes the achievement of a positive outcome.

fled

Suggests a hasty or urgent departure, often from danger.

removed

Highlights the act of taking something away or off.

undressed

More specific, referring to removing clothing.

FAQs

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

You can use "took off" to describe a plane departing, such as "The plane "took off" on time". It can also describe something suddenly becoming popular, like "Her career "took off" after the show".

What does "took off" mean when referring to an object or clothing?

In this context, "took off" means to remove something. For example, "He "took off" his hat when he entered the building".

What's the difference between ""took off"" and "departed"?

"Took off" can imply a rapid or sudden departure, or the beginning of a journey. "Departed" is a more formal and general term for leaving.

What are some synonyms for ""took off"" when describing the success of a business?

Alternatives include "gained traction", "became popular", or "became successful". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the business's growth.