work off

USAGE SUMMARY

"work off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express an action of using physical activity to reduce an amount of something. For example, "I'm trying to work off the extra calories I ate at the party last night".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We can't work off emotions.

The New York Times

"I work off instinct".

The New York Times - Arts

They didn't work off 3D blueprints.

The New York Times

Time to work off those calories.

The Guardian - Travel

"You work off a phone list.

The New York Times

"That's where I work off my hostilities," Carson explains.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Levy argued that Choudhry could at least work off-campus.

The Guardian

This will allow us to work off-line.

3D Printing in Medicine

Might it work Off-Broadway or in US regional theatre?

BBC

Those outcomes include overall employment, farm work, off-farm employment, wage employment, and self-employment.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Work off-campus.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work off" when you want to describe how someone uses physical activity or labor to reduce or eliminate something, such as calories or debt.

Common error

Avoid using "work off" in situations where the reduction or elimination is not directly related to physical effort or labor. For example, don't say "work off your sadness" when you mean "overcome" or "deal with" your sadness.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "work off" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It describes the action of reducing or eliminating something, such as calories or debt, typically through physical exertion or labor. Ludwig examples show diverse applications, as explained by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "work off" is a commonly used expression that means to reduce or eliminate something through physical effort or labor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in news, media and informal settings (like wikiHow), with a neutral formality level. When writing, remember that "work off" is most appropriate when the reduction is directly linked to physical activity or fulfilling an obligation through labor. Related phrases include "burn off" and "eliminate", each offering slightly different nuances. Be mindful of the context to avoid misusing this versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burn off

Specifically relates to reducing something through burning, often calories.

reduce

Emphasizes the act of lessening something, without specifying the method.

get rid of

A more general term for disposal, not necessarily through physical activity.

offset

Suggests balancing something out rather than completely removing it.

eliminate

Focuses on complete removal rather than gradual reduction through effort.

counteract

Focuses on neutralizing or opposing the effect of something.

dissipate

Implies gradual vanishing or dispersal, often without direct effort.

exert

Highlights the effort made to achieve a reduction, often through force.

compensate for

Suggests making amends or providing an equivalent for something.

nullify

Implies making something invalid or of no effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "work off" to describe reducing something, like calories or stress, through physical activity. For example, "I need to "work off" all the cake I ate" or "He "works off" his stress by going for a run".

What's a similar phrase to "work off" when talking about exercise?

If you're talking about exercise, a similar phrase would be "burn off". For example, instead of "I need to work off those calories", you could say "I need to burn off those calories".

Can "work off" be used for things other than physical exertion?

Yes, "work off" can also refer to resolving debts or obligations through labor or service. For example, "He had to "work off" his debt to the store owner".

Is there a difference between "work off" and "work through"?

Yes, "work through" usually refers to processing emotions or solving a problem systematically, while ""work off"" typically involves physical activity to reduce something or fulfilling obligations through labor.