took off with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took off with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone leaving quickly with something, often implying theft or taking something without permission. Example: "He took off with my backpack before I even realized what was happening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sale took off with a bang.

The New York Times - Arts

"He took off with everything," Allen says.

The Washington Post

Tatyana took off with the car.

The New York Times - Magazine

Beatlemania really took off with "She Loves You".

The Economist

That's when my wife took off with the mailman.

The New Yorker

The man took off with the Spam and disappeared.

The Washington Post

"It took off with the peace accords," he said.

The New York Times

"The media then took off with the sensationalistic headlines".

The New Yorker

The plane was damaged during the melee, and took off with people still hanging from it.

Princeton University

The idea really took off with the growth of the internet and e-commerce.

The Economist

"This car took off with two N.H.T.S.A. engineers in the vehicle," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took off with" to vividly describe a situation where someone leaves suddenly, often implying they've taken something without permission or that something has rapidly increased in popularity or success.

Common error

While generally acceptable, repeatedly using "took off with" in formal writing may make your language seem less sophisticated. Consider using more precise alternatives like "absconded with" or "departed with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took off with" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe someone or something leaving quickly while also carrying or taking something along. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took off with" is a versatile phrasal verb, indicating a quick departure, often with something in tow. It is grammatically correct and very common, as validated by Ludwig, finding frequent use in News & Media contexts. While its usage is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and potentially opt for more formal alternatives like "absconded with" or "departed with" in professional or academic settings. Understanding its nuances and related phrases can significantly enhance writing clarity and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absconded with

Implies a secretive and often illegal departure, emphasizing the act of fleeing with something.

ran away with

Suggests a quick and often unauthorized departure, focusing on the act of running and the item taken.

made off with

Indicates a successful theft and escape, highlighting the completion of the act.

fled with

Implies a hurried escape, often due to danger or fear, while carrying something or someone.

escaped with

Highlights the act of getting away from confinement or danger, while carrying something or someone.

departed with

A more formal way of saying someone left while carrying something or someone.

slipped away with

Implies a stealthy and unnoticed departure, often involving something taken surreptitiously.

cleared off with

Indicates a hasty departure, possibly with the intention of not returning.

went away with

A general term for leaving while possessing something, without necessarily implying speed or stealth.

scrammed with

Suggests a hurried and disorganized departure, often to avoid trouble.

FAQs

What does "took off with" mean?

The phrase "took off with" generally means to leave quickly, often implying that someone has taken something, sometimes without permission. It can also describe something that has suddenly become very successful or popular.

When is it appropriate to use "took off with"?

It is appropriate in many everyday situations, such as describing someone running away with an item or a business venture becoming popular quickly. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "departed with" or "gained traction" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "took off with"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "absconded with" (if something was stolen), "ran away with" (for a quick departure), or "gained popularity" (if referring to success).

Is there a difference between "took off with" and "made off with"?

While both suggest someone leaving quickly with something, "made off with" emphasizes the successful completion of a theft, whereas "took off with" simply highlights the act of leaving quickly, which may or may not involve theft. For example, the phrase "made off with" is more suitable to describe criminals stealing some gold.