Differences between drive away and drive off
Drive off usually means to leave quickly or suddenly, especially while driving a vehicle, whereas drive away generally means to leave a place or to make someone or something leave a place by driving.
Meanings and Definitions: drive away vs drive off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Drive away
- 1Force an animal or someone to leave a place.
Their unfriendliness DRIVES customers AWAY.
Drive off
- 1Drive away from a place.
She slammed the car door shut and DROVE OFF without saying a word.
Usage Examples: drive away, drive off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
drive away
Example
The loud noise drives away the birds.
Example
He drives away the stray cats from his garden.
drive off
Example
After saying goodbye, he drove off to his next destination.
Example
She drives off to work every morning at 7 am.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drive away
To force someone or something to leave a place or group by official order or authority.
Example
The school principal decided to expel the student who was caught cheating on the exam.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drive off
head out
To leave a place or start a journey, especially while driving a vehicle.
Example
We need to head out now if we want to reach the beach before sunset.
Differences in drive away vs drive off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: drive away or drive off?
In daily conversation, people use drive off more often than drive away. This is because drive off is used for more common situations such as leaving a parking spot or driving away from a friend's house. Drive away is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about making someone or something leave a place by driving. So, while both phrases are used, drive off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drive away and drive off
Drive off and drive away 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 drive away and drive off
The tone of drive off and drive away can differ based on context. Drive off often carries a sense of urgency or excitement when related to leaving quickly or suddenly, while drive away typically has a more serious or negative tone, especially when referring to making someone or something leave a place by driving.
