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Phrasal verbs "be off" vs "see off"

Differences between be off and see off

Be off means to leave a place, while see off means to accompany someone to their departure point and say goodbye.

Meanings and Definitions: be off vs see off

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.

See off

  • 1Chase somebody or something away.

    A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

  • 2Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

    I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

Usage Examples: be off, see off 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.

see off

Example

I will see off my friend at the airport tomorrow.

Example

She sees off her husband at the train station every time he goes on a business trip.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be off

take off

To leave a place, especially quickly or suddenly.

Example

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

head out

To leave a place, especially for a specific purpose or destination.

Example

I'm going to head out to the grocery store. Do you need anything?

make a move

To leave a place, especially when it's time to go or when there's something else to do.

Example

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

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of See off

bid farewell

To say goodbye to someone formally or ceremoniously.

Example

We gathered at the airport to bid farewell to our friend who was moving to another country.

escort to the door

To accompany someone to the exit or entrance of a building or location.

Example

As a courtesy, the hotel staff escorted us to the door when we checked out.

send on one's way

To wish someone well and give them a proper send-off before they leave.

Example

Before he left for his trip, we sent him on his way with a heartfelt goodbye and some travel tips.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “be”

Phrasal Verbs with “see”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in be off vs see off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: be off or see off?

In daily conversation, people use be off more often than see off. This is because be off is used for more routine departures, such as leaving work or going home. See off is not used as much, but it's still a common expression when someone is leaving for a trip or moving away. So, while both phrases are used, be off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be off and see off

Be off and see off 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 see off

The tone of be off and see off can differ based on context. Be off often carries a casual or neutral tone, while see off typically has a sentimental or emotional tone, especially when saying goodbye to a loved one or close friend.

be off & see off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Be off

Synonyms

Antonyms

See off

Synonyms

  • repel
  • bid farewell
  • say goodbye
  • send off
  • chase away
  • scare off

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