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Phrasal verbs "reel off" vs "shoot off"

Differences between reel off and shoot off

Reel off and shoot off are both phrasal verbs that involve speaking quickly, but they have different meanings. Reel off means to recite or list something quickly and easily, while shoot off means to speak quickly and abruptly, often without much thought.

Meanings and Definitions: reel off vs shoot off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Reel off

  • 1Quote statistics or facts rapidly.

    The minister REELED OFF a load of figures to support her position.

  • 2Score a lot of points or win a lot of games one after the other.

    They REELED OFF five victories and became the champions.

Shoot off

  • 1Leave promptly and quickly.

    I'll have to SHOOT OFF as soon as the lesson finishes, otherwise I'll miss my train.

Usage Examples: reel off, shoot off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

reel off

Example

She can reel off all the capitals of the world.

Example

He reels off the names of all the presidents in order.

shoot off

Example

I need to shoot off after the meeting to catch my flight.

Example

She always shoots off right after class to get to her next appointment.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Reel off

rattle off

To recite or list something quickly and easily.

Example

She was able to rattle off all the state capitals without hesitation.

spout off

To speak confidently and at length about a topic, often without being asked.

Example

He likes to spout off about politics, even though he doesn't know much about it.

fire off

To say or write something quickly and without much thought.

Example

She fired off an angry email to her boss before thinking it through.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shoot off

blurt out

To say something suddenly and without thinking, often revealing a secret or embarrassing information.

Example

She blurted out the surprise party plans before realizing the guest of honor was standing behind her.

spit out

To say something quickly and forcefully, often with anger or frustration.

Example

He spit out his coffee when he heard the news about the company's layoffs.

dash off

To write or say something quickly and without much thought, often in a hurry.

Example

She dashed off a quick text message before running into her meeting.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “reel”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in reel off vs shoot off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: reel off or shoot off?

In everyday conversation, shoot off is more common than reel off. This is because shoot off is used in a variety of situations, such as when someone is in a hurry or wants to make a quick point. Reel off, on the other hand, is more specific and is usually used when someone is listing items or facts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of reel off and shoot off

Reel off and shoot off are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of reel off and shoot off

The tone of reel off and shoot off can differ based on context. Reel off often carries a confident or knowledgeable tone when someone is listing information, while shoot off can have a more abrupt or impatient tone, especially when someone is in a hurry or annoyed.

reel off & shoot off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Shoot off

Synonyms

  • bolt
  • leave quickly
  • depart promptly
  • rush off
  • hurry off
  • dash off
  • take off

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