Phrasal verbs "drive off" vs "set off"

Differences between drive off and set off

Drive off means to leave a place in a vehicle, while set off means to start a journey or trip.

Meanings and Definitions: drive off vs set off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Drive off

• 1. Drive away from a place.

  She slammed the car door shut and DROVE OFF without saying a word.

Set off

• 1. Explode a bomb.

  Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city centre last night. Fortunately, no - one was hurt or killed.

• 2. Ring an alarm.

  The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

• 3. Start a journey.

  We SET OFF for work at seven - thirty.

• 4. Counterbalance a debt.

  The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at home.

• 5. Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

  The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

• 6. Cause, trigger events.

  The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

Usage Examples: drive off, set off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

drive off

Example

After saying goodbye, he drove off to his next destination.

Example

She drives off to work every morning at 7 am.

set off

Example

We set off for our vacation early in the morning.

Example

She sets off for work at 7:30 every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drive off

take off

To leave a place quickly, especially in a vehicle.

Example

He had to take off early to catch his flight.

pull out

To leave a place, especially in a vehicle.

Example

She pulled out of the driveway and headed to work.

head out

To leave a place, especially in a vehicle, to go somewhere else.

Example

We headed out to the beach for the day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set off

embark on

To start a journey or trip, especially one that is long or challenging.

Example

They embarked on a backpacking trip through Europe.

begin a journey

To start traveling to a destination.

Example

We began our journey to the mountains early in the morning.

start out

To begin a journey or trip, especially one that is long or challenging.

Example

They started out on their cross-country road trip with excitement and anticipation.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “drive”

• drive out
• drive back
• drive up
• drive away
• drive by

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

• set to
• set about
• set out
• set back
• set forth

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

• face off
• bump off
• slack off
• skive off
• race off

Differences in drive off vs set off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: drive off or set off?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but drive off is more frequently used in casual settings. Set off is also common, but it's more likely to be used when someone is starting a longer journey or trip.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drive off and set off

Drive off and set off are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, set off can be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of drive off and set off

The tone of drive off and set off can differ based on context. Drive off often carries a casual or abrupt tone, especially when referring to leaving a place quickly. Set off typically has a more deliberate and purposeful tone, especially when referring to starting a journey or trip.

drive off & set off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Drive off

Synonyms

• depart
• leave
• go away
• set off
• head off
• hit the road

Antonyms

• arrive
• come
• approach
• enter
• pull up
• drive in

Set off

Synonyms

• depart
• begin
• start
• embark
• launch
• commence
• trigger
• initiate
• provoke
• cause

Antonyms

• arrive
• end
• complete
• cease
• halt
• stop
• finish
• terminate