Differences between be down with and be off
Be down with means to be in agreement with something or to be willing to do something, while be off means to leave or depart from a place.
Meanings and Definitions: be down with vs be off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Be down with
- 1Be ill.
Gul is DOWN WITH some bug and is off work today.
Be off
- 1Be bad ( of food ).
This yoghurt must BE OFF; it smells foul.
- 2Depart, leave.
I'm OFF home; it's five o'clock.
Usage Examples: be down with, be off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
be down with
Example
She is down with the flu and cannot come to the party.
Example
He is down with a cold and needs to rest.
be off
Example
I am off to the store to buy some groceries.
Example
She is off to her friend's house for a sleepover.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be down with
be on board with
To be in agreement with a plan, idea, or decision.
Example
After discussing the proposal with the team, everyone was on board with the new marketing strategy.
be game for
To be willing or eager to do something.
Example
She was game for trying the new sushi restaurant downtown.
be up for
To be willing or interested in doing something.
Example
Are you up for going to the concert tonight?
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be off
take off
To leave a place or depart on a trip.
Example
I need to take off early today to catch my flight.
make tracks
To leave a place quickly or abruptly.
Example
It's getting late, we should make tracks and head home.
hit the road
To leave a place and start a journey.
Example
We need to hit the road early tomorrow to avoid traffic.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “be”
Phrasal Verbs with “down with”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
Differences in be down with vs be off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: be down with or be off?
In daily conversation, people use be off more often than be down with. This is because be off is used for more common situations such as leaving work or going on a trip. Be down with is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase used to express agreement or willingness to do something. So, while both phrases are used, be off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be down with and be off
Be down with and be 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 be down with and be off
The tone of be down with and be off can differ based on context. Be down with often carries a positive and enthusiastic tone when related to agreement or willingness, while be off typically has a neutral or casual tone, especially when referring to leaving a place.