Differences between get off and set off
Get off usually means to physically leave a vehicle or a place, whereas set off generally means to start a journey or an activity.
Meanings and Definitions: get off vs set off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get off
- 1Escape punishment.
He GOT OFF on a technicality and left the court a free man.
- 2Leave a bus, train, etc..
We GOT OFF the bus and walked to my house.
- 3Finish, leave work.
I like to GET OFF early on Fridays.
- 4Start a journey.
We need to GET OFF early to avoid the rush hour traffic.
- 5Help a baby or child sleep.
I can't GET the kids OFF because of the noise from next door.
- 6Orgasm, have sex.
We GOT OFF last night.
- 7Manage to fire a gun.
She GOT OFF a few shots before she was arrested.
- 8Stop talking on the phone.
Let me know when he GETS OFF the phone as I need to make a call.
- 9Write or send letters, messages, etc.
I GOT three emails OFF before the meeting.
- 10Say or write something funny.
She GOT OFF some jokes at the start of her presentation.
Set off
- 1Explode a bomb.
Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city centre last night. Fortunately, no - one was hurt or killed.
- 2Ring an alarm.
The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.
- 3Start a journey.
We SET OFF for work at seven - thirty.
- 4Counterbalance a debt.
The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at home.
- 5Provide a visual contrast that looks good.
The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.
- 6Cause, trigger events.
The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.
Usage Examples: get off, set off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get off
Example
I always get off the bus at the park.
Example
She gets off the train at the city center.
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 Get off
To get off a bicycle, a horse, or a motorcycle.
Example
She dismounted her bike and walked it up the hill.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set off
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Differences in get off vs set off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get off or set off?
In daily conversation, people use get off more often than set off. This is because get off is used for more common situations such as getting off a bus or a train. Set off is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a journey or an activity. So, while both phrases are used, get off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get off and set off
Get off and set 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 get off and set off
The tone of get off and set off can differ based on context. Get off often carries a practical or relieved tone when related to leaving a vehicle or a place, while set off typically has a more adventurous and enthusiastic tone, especially when referring to starting a journey or an activity.
