well off

USAGE SUMMARY

"well off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is financially prosperous or comfortable. For example, "My mother's family was very well off and they were able to give us a good education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Well off I went.

The New York Times

HOW well off are Americans?

The Economist

Are we well off?

The Guardian - Travel

HOW well off is the American government?

The Economist

He can pass well off it.

The New York Times

Well off, comfortably off, struggling.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Appearance: Gallic, well-off.

The Guardian

And Ms Khobragade is indeed well-off.

The Economist

But the students were relatively well-off.

Independent

Too many well-off white people.

The New Yorker

Well-off Chinese began coming here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "well off", consider whether you want to emphasize their wealth, security, or overall fortunate circumstances. Choose synonyms like "wealthy", "comfortable", or "financially secure" to match your intended emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "well off" when describing temporary situations. It typically refers to a sustained state of financial stability, not just a fleeting moment of prosperity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well off" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something in a fortunate or prosperous financial state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well off" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase indicating financial prosperity or a favorable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is frequently found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, whether it's wealth, security, or overall fortunate circumstances. While acceptable in formal writing, synonyms like "financially stable" or "prosperous" might add greater precision. It's important to note that it's best used for describing sustained financial states rather than temporary conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

financially secure

Highlights the stability and safety of one's financial situation.

wealthy

Focuses specifically on the abundance of material possessions and financial resources.

well-to-do

A more formal and slightly old-fashioned way of saying someone is wealthy.

affluent

Emphasizes a high standard of living due to wealth.

prosperous

Highlights overall success and thriving conditions, not exclusively financial.

comfortable

Suggests a state of ease and security, without necessarily implying great wealth.

in good financial shape

Directly refers to the state of one's finances, being secure and stable.

comfortably situated

Suggests having a pleasant and secure life, often with financial stability.

doing well

A general phrase indicating success and positive progress, often implying financial success.

in a fortunate position

Broadly indicates being in a favorable circumstance, not necessarily financial.

FAQs

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

You can use "well off" to describe someone's financial situation, such as "The family was quite "well off" due to their successful business ventures".

What is a good alternative to saying someone is "well off"?

Alternatives include "wealthy", "affluent", or "financially secure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "well off" in formal writing?

Yes, "well off" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but using a more precise term like "financially stable" or "prosperous" might be preferred for added clarity and sophistication.

What's the difference between "well off" and "comfortable"?

"Well off" typically implies a higher degree of wealth and financial security than "comfortable", which suggests a state of ease without necessarily implying great wealth.