we drove off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we drove off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of leaving a place in a vehicle. Example: "After saying our goodbyes, we drove off into the sunset, excited for our road trip ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

We drove off looking for them.

The New Yorker

We drove off toward the city.

The New York Times

After we drove off, I realized they weren't boys.

The New Yorker

Cain was still laughing cruelly as we drove off.

The New Yorker

The ramp came down and we drove off.

The Guardian

We drove off in one of Omar's cars, with Naquibullah at the wheel.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

We drive off the tarmac in case of IEDs.

The Guardian

"My family lived here before it was a park," says Shadreck, as we drive off.

Independent

Daddy says no thanks, we drive off, me crying on the front of the bike.

The Guardian - Travel

After securing the animals in the van, we drive off in silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

We drive off and are still watching the impala recede when we have a gerenuk demonstration on our left.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing narratives, consider the tone and formality of your piece. While "we drove off" is generally acceptable, more descriptive verbs like "we sped away" or "we cruised off" might enhance the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "we drove off" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise or sophisticated term like "we departed" or "we proceeded" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we drove off" functions as a simple declarative statement describing an action. It clearly indicates the subject ("we") performed the action of driving away from a location. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we drove off" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe leaving a location in a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and its prevalence in News & Media demonstrates its widespread acceptance. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "we departed" for technical or highly formal writing. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "we drove off" to convey clear and concise information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we took off in the car

Uses the idiomatic phrase "took off" to indicate a quick or abrupt departure.

we left in the vehicle

Uses "left" instead of "drove off", focusing on the act of leaving in a vehicle.

we departed by car

Replaces "drove" with a more formal "departed" and specifies the mode of transport.

we pulled away

Focuses on the physical action of moving the car away from a stationary position.

we set off by automobile

Replaces "drove" with "set off" and uses a more formal term "automobile".

we motored away

Employs a more descriptive verb "motored" to suggest the sound and action of driving away.

we headed out in the auto

Uses "headed out" as a substitute for leaving and "auto" for car.

we rolled out

Employs a more casual expression "rolled out" to suggest a smooth departure.

we embarked by vehicle

Utilizes a more formal verb "embarked" to signify the start of a journey.

we started our journey

Emphasizes the beginning of a trip or journey by car.

FAQs

What does "we drove off" mean?

The phrase "we drove off" simply means that a group of people, including the speaker, left a place in a car or other vehicle.

What can I say instead of "we drove off"?

You can use alternatives like "we departed by car", "we left in the vehicle", or "we took off in the car" depending on the context.

Is "we drove off" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we drove off" is grammatically correct. "Drove" is the past tense of "drive", and "off" is an adverb indicating departure or movement away from a place.

How can I use "we drove off" in a sentence?

You can use "we drove off" in a sentence like: "After saying goodbye, we drove off towards the city."