written me off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "written me off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom typically used to express that someone has dismissed an idea or thought the other person was not capable of achieving something. Example: After all my hard work, my boss had written me off as a slacker.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I didn't know however that he had written me off".

The New York Times

So many people have written me off as a joke".

The Guardian

Everybody had written me off -- even my "loyal" hired guns and my "loyal" Oval Office cheerleader.

The New York Times

"A lot of people have written me off," Cunningham told MLSnet.com.

The New York Times

The pundits have written me off... Obama is measuring the drapes... [We're] a few points down, but we're coming back..

The Guardian

"Everybody had written me off," DeGale says, "because I'd lost in the first round of the world championships in 2007.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I hope a few people do write me off because that'll make me stronger".

Independent

Or would rather just write me off as an attention-seeking, over-privileged, ignorant, white girl.

Independent

"Please don't write me off yet," Mr. Mulally said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

"I welcome people to write me off, to say I won't come back.

The New York Times

"A lot of people doubted me and wrote me off," she said, happy to have proved them wrong so far.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "written me off", ensure the context clearly indicates who is dismissing or underestimating you, and why. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "written me off" when the situation is merely a temporary setback. This phrase carries a strong sense of finality and complete dismissal, so reserve it for scenarios where the underestimation or disregard is significant and perceived as irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "written me off" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a complete dismissal or underestimation of someone's abilities or potential. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usage across various contexts to convey this meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "written me off" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to express the feeling of being dismissed or underestimated. As Ludwig AI points out, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the dismissing and why. Related phrases include "dismissed me" and "counted me out", but be mindful of the strong sense of finality associated with "written me off", and avoid using it in situations that are only temporary setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrote me off as a lost cause

Highlights viewing someone as beyond help or redemption

counted me out

Suggests a belief that someone is no longer a factor or contender.

dismissed me

Directly implies rejection or disregard of someone's value.

underestimated me

Highlights the act of valuing someone less than their actual worth.

believed I was finished

Indicates a perception that someone's career or capabilities are over.

disregarded my potential

Focuses specifically on overlooking someone's future capabilities.

thought I was incapable

Focuses on doubting someone's inherent abilities to succeed.

gave up on me

Implies a decision to stop supporting or believing in someone.

lost faith in me

Indicates a decline or absence of belief in someone's abilities.

deemed me irrelevant

Conveys a sense of being considered unimportant or inconsequential.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone has "written me off"?

It means they have dismissed you, underestimated your abilities, or believe you are no longer capable of achieving something. It suggests a strong lack of confidence in your potential.

How can I respond if someone has "written me off"?

You can respond by focusing on proving them wrong through your actions and accomplishments. It's a chance to demonstrate your capabilities and resilience despite their lack of belief in you. You can also use phrases like "underestimated me", which conveys a similar meaning.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to say someone "wrote me off"?

Yes, it's inappropriate if the situation is a minor setback or a temporary disagreement. The phrase implies a significant and potentially irreversible dismissal, so avoid using it in trivial contexts.

What are some alternative phrases to "written me off" that convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "counted me out", "dismissed me", or "gave up on me". These phrases express varying degrees of disbelief or underestimation, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.