we were off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were off" is an acceptable phrase in written English in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as, "We were off to the beach when the rain started pouring down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And then we were off.

Independent

We were off and rolling.

The New York Times

Finally, we were off.

The New York Times - Magazine

And we were off.

The New Yorker

After that, we were off!

Princeton University

And so we were off.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We were off-shoring our defense industry.

Huffington Post

And we're off!

The New York Times

We are off and running.

The New York Times

| Updated And we're off!

The New York Times

Then we're off again.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing inaccuracies, use "we were off" followed by 'the mark,' 'the pace,' or 'by a bit' to specify the nature of the error.

Common error

Ensure context clarifies whether "we were off" refers to a departure, a beginning, or a state of being incorrect. Vague usage can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we were off" is to act as a verb phrase indicating a state of being, either in motion (departing) or in error (incorrect). Ludwig showcases examples where it signifies both initiation and deviation from a standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were off" is a versatile expression commonly used to indicate a departure, a beginning, or a state of being incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure context clarifies the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "we had departed" or "we were mistaken" for more specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we took off

Suggests a quick or sudden departure, often used in the context of travel.

we were underway

Highlights that a journey or project is in progress.

we had departed

Focuses specifically on the act of leaving or starting a journey.

we were gone

Focuses on the state of absence or having left a place.

we got started

Indicates the initiation of an activity or task.

we had begun

Emphasizes the commencement of an activity or process.

we missed the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve a desired outcome or target.

we went astray

Indicates a deviation from the correct path or course of action.

we were mistaken

Implies an error or inaccuracy in one's judgment or understanding.

we were incorrect

States plainly that an assertion or calculation was wrong.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were off" to indicate the start of a journey, activity, or to express that something was not correct. For example, "We were off to the mountains" or "We were off our game".

What does "we were off to the races" mean?

The phrase "we were off to the races" means that something has started quickly and energetically. It implies a sense of excitement and rapid progress.

What are some alternatives to "we were off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we had departed", "we had begun", or "we were mistaken".

Is "we were off" formal or informal?

"We were off" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "we had departed" or "we commenced".