took off running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'took off running' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe someone beginning to run quickly, in order to escape or for exercise. For example, "As soon as I saw the bee come around the corner, I took off running and didn't look back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We all took off running down the breezeway toward the library," the posting late on Friday read.

HuffPost

"He took off running".

The New York Times

Instead, they took off running.

The New York Times

"I took off running toward the corner".

The New York Times

We all just took off running to our vehicles".

The New York Times

The attacker took off running before the bomb exploded.

The Economist

I took off running in the direction of Charles".

The New York Times - Sports

So he laid the watermelon down and took off running.

The New York Times

"As he exited the car, the gentlemen took off running.

The Guardian

She slipped out of his grip and took off running.

The Guardian

When he began to move toward them, they took off running.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took off running" to vividly describe a character's sudden decision to run, whether from fear, excitement, or urgency. It's a more dynamic alternative to simply saying "ran".

Common error

Ensure consistency in tense. Avoid switching to present tense mid-sentence when describing a past action. For instance, instead of "He took off running and now he runs faster than ever", maintain past tense: "He took off running and ran faster than ever."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "took off running" is that of a phrasal verb indicating a sudden and rapid commencement of running. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is used to describe someone beginning to run quickly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took off running" is a very common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of suddenly starting to run, often due to an immediate stimulus. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and narrative writing. Alternatives like "started sprinting" or "dashed away" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure tense consistency and avoid unnecessary complexity. The phrase has a neutral register that can be used in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started sprinting

Emphasizes a burst of speed from the beginning.

sprinted away

Similar to "started sprinting", but emphasizes continuous high speed.

broke into a run

Highlights the transition from walking to running.

dashed away

Implies a quick and sudden departure.

raced off

Highlights the speed and competition inherent in the running.

bolted away

Suggests a frightened or startled reaction, leading to a rapid escape.

made a run for it

Indicates an attempt to escape or reach a destination quickly.

fled the scene

Focuses on escaping from a specific location, often due to danger or fear.

took flight

Metaphorically describes running as if escaping through the air.

scampered off

Implies a quick, light-footed movement, often used for smaller creatures or people.

FAQs

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

You can use "took off running" to describe someone starting to run quickly. For example, "When the alarm sounded, everyone "took off running"."

What are some alternatives to "took off running"?

Some alternatives include "started sprinting", "broke into a run", or "dashed away". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "taken off running" instead of "took off running"?

No, "taken off running" is grammatically incorrect. "Took off running" is the correct past tense form.

What's the difference between "took off running" and "started running"?

"Took off running" implies a more sudden and immediate start, often with a sense of urgency or surprise. "Started running" is more general and doesn't necessarily suggest the same level of immediacy.