The preposition “off” has many different uses in English, depending on the context. Here’s a breakdown of its main uses:
1. Separation or Removal
- “Off” indicates that something is being moved away from or removed.
- Examples:
- “He took his jacket off.”
- “She fell off the chair.”
- “I cut a piece off the cake.”
2. Starting Point (in Time or Space)
- It can indicate the beginning of something or a point of departure.
- Examples:
- “The plane took off at noon.” (departure)
- “The meeting is off to a great start.”
3. Away from Work or Duty
- Used to refer to a break or time away from work or regular activities.
- Examples:
- “I’m taking the day off tomorrow.”
- “She’s off work today.”
4. Deactivation or Disconnection
- “Off” indicates that something is no longer active, connected, or operational.
- Examples:
- “Turn the light off.”
- “The alarm went off.” (meaning it sounded)
5. Distance or Separation
- Used to describe physical distance or separation from something.
- Examples:
- “The restaurant is just a few miles off the highway.”
- “The island is located 20 kilometers off the coast.”
6. Reduced or Discounted
- Used to show a reduction in price or quantity.
- Examples:
- “Everything in the store is 20% off.”
- “You get $5 off your next purchase.”
7. Cancellation or Suspension
- “Off” can also mean that something has been canceled or postponed.
- Examples:
- “The meeting is off due to bad weather.”
- “The deal is off.”
8. Condition or Behavior
- It can indicate someone’s state or behavior, often implying something is wrong.
- Examples:
- “She seems a bit off today.” (meaning she is not acting like herself)
- “His behavior was a little off.”
9. Not Touching or Not Attached
- Indicates that something is not attached or connected.
- Examples:
- “Keep your hands off the table.”
- “The lid won’t come off.”
10. From a Surface or Higher Place
- When something is removed from a surface or a higher position.
- Examples:
- “Please get your feet off the couch.”
- “He jumped off the wall.”
11. Suspension or Pause in an Action
- When an action is paused or stopped temporarily.
- Examples:
- “The TV show is off the air.” (temporarily not broadcast)
- “We’ll pick up where we left off.”
12. Away from Focus or Purpose
- Indicates deviation from the main subject or goal.
- Examples:
- “We got off track during the meeting.”
- “I think I’m off topic.”
Summary of Common Uses of “Off” as a Preposition:
- Separation/Removal: Take it off the table.
- Starting Point: The plane took off.
- Away from Work: He’s off today.
- Deactivation: Turn the light off.
- Distance: The shop is just off Main Street.
- Discount/Reduction: $10 off.
- Cancellation: The meeting is off.
- Condition: She’s feeling a bit off today.
- From a Surface: He fell off the bike.
- Suspension: The show is off the air.
- Deviation: We got off topic.
These examples illustrate how versatile the preposition “off” is and how its meaning shifts depending on the context.