race off
B2-C1Informal, colloquial. Common in spoken and narrative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To leave very quickly or in a hurry.
Can imply a sudden, often excited or determined departure, typically with a sense of urgency or competition (e.g., to get somewhere first).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is a separable phrasal verb (e.g., 'He raced off to the shops' / 'He raced to the shops off'). The focus is on the speed and abruptness of departure, often triggered by an event or new information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally understood and used in both varieties. Slight preference for 'race off' in UK narratives; US may also use 'take off' or 'dash off' with similar meaning.
Connotations
Connotes urgency, excitement, or a sudden change of plan. Neutral to slightly informal.
Frequency
Moderately common in both, but not a high-frequency phrasal verb.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + race off + (ADV) + (to + INFINITIVE)SUBJ + race off + to/into/towards + PLACEVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “race off the mark (to start quickly)”
- “race off into the sunset (to leave abruptly for an idealized future)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'As soon as the meeting finished, he raced off to his next appointment.'
Academic
Very rare; considered too informal.
Everyday
Common. 'The kids raced off to the playground.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He grabbed his umbrella and raced off into the rain.
- She heard the ice cream van and raced off down the street.
American English
- He raced off to catch the last bus home.
- The dog saw a squirrel and raced off into the woods.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children raced off to play.
- I'm sorry, I have to race off—my train leaves in ten minutes.
- Upon hearing the news, she raced off to the hospital without a second thought.
- The journalist raced off to file his story before the editorial deadline.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a racing car peeling off the starting line — it 'races off' the mark.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPARTURE IS RACING (speed and competition mapped onto leaving).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating word-for-word as 'гонять от'. The phrase is idiomatic for sudden departure.
- Do not confuse with 'сорваться с места' which is closer but more abrupt; 'race off' can be planned but executed quickly.
- Not equivalent to 'убегать' (run away in fear).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'race off' for a slow departure. *'He raced off slowly.' (contradictory)
- Omitting the preposition 'to' for destination. *'He raced off the supermarket.' (Incorrect: 'He raced off to the supermarket.')
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates the meaning of 'race off'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and best used in spoken English or informal writing.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. E.g., 'The car raced off into the night.'
'Race off' emphasizes speed and purpose. 'Run off' can mean to depart quickly, but also to elope or to reproduce copies on a machine.
No, a destination is common but not mandatory. E.g., 'He didn't say goodbye; he just raced off.'