Phrasal verbs "be off" vs "be out to"

Differences between be off and be out to

Be off means to leave a place or to depart from somewhere, while be out to means to have a particular intention or purpose in mind.

Meanings and Definitions: be off vs be out to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Be off

  • 1Be bad ( of food ).

    This yoghurt must BE OFF; it smells foul.

  • 2Depart, leave.

    I'm OFF home; it's five o'clock.

Be out to

  • 1Attempt.

    She IS OUT TO get him sacked because she hates him.

Usage Examples: be off, be out to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

be off

Example

I am off to the store to buy some groceries.

Example

She is off to her friend's house for a sleepover.

be out to

Example

They are out to win the championship this year.

Example

He is out to prove everyone wrong.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be off

To leave a place or to depart from somewhere.

Example

I need to take off early today to catch my flight.

head out

To leave a place or to go outside.

Example

Let's head out and enjoy the sunny weather.

To leave a place or to start doing something.

Example

It's getting late, so I think it's time to make a move.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be out to

To have a particular intention or purpose in mind.

Example

What do you have in mind for dinner tonight?

To have a specific goal or objective in mind.

Example

I aim to finish this project by the end of the week.

To start doing something with a specific intention or goal in mind.

Example

She set out to learn a new language and now speaks it fluently.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “be”

Phrasal Verbs with “out to”

Differences in be off vs be out to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: be off or be out to?

In daily conversation, people use be off more often than be out to. This is because be off is used for more routine activities such as leaving work or going home. Be out to is not used as much and is more specific to situations where someone has a clear intention or goal in mind. So, while both phrases are used, be off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be off and be out to

Be off and be out to are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of be off and be out to

The tone of be off and be out to can differ based on context. Be off often carries a neutral or casual tone when related to leaving a place, while be out to typically has a more determined or purposeful tone, especially when referring to someone's intentions or goals.

be off & be out to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Be off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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