Phrasal verb
be off
Meanings
to leave a place; to go away (often used when saying goodbye)
to start a journey or move toward a destination
to be wrong, inaccurate, or not functioning properly
Definition
To be off means to leave or go away, often suddenly or at a planned time.
If you say you are off, you mean you are leaving a place or starting a journey. People often use it in casual conversation to say goodbye quickly or to explain their next plan. It can also mean something is not working correctly or does not seem right.
Examples
- I’m off now, but I’ll call you tonight.
- Are you off to the gym after work?
- He’s off already, so we’ll have to meet him there.
- She’s off on a weekend trip to the coast.
- Something is off with the oven, so dinner is taking longer.
Common mistake
Learners often say "I’m off to home" instead of the natural phrase "I’m off home" or "I’m off to my home/house."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.