Why Is “Off of” Incorrect?

In English, the phrase “off of” is often seen as redundant. “Off” alone can convey the meaning of separation or movement away from something without needing the extra “of.” For instance:

• Incorrect: He jumped off of the table.
• Correct: He jumped off the table.

Using “off” by itself makes the sentence clearer and more concise.

When and What to Use Instead

Here are some guidelines on how to avoid “off of” and what to use instead:

1. Movement or Position
   • Instead of “off of,” simply use off to show movement away from something.
     • Example: She took the book off the shelf. (Not “off of the shelf”)
2. Avoiding Redundancy
   • If you feel inclined to use “off of,” consider whether “from” could work instead. “From” can replace “off of” in many contexts.
     • Example: Remove the sticker from the glass. (More formal than “off of the glass”)
3. Prepositional Contexts
   • In cases like get off the bus or jump off the cliff, “off” alone is direct and sufficient. Adding “of” makes the phrase overly wordy.

Common Examples

To further clarify, here are a few common situations where “off of” might seem tempting but isn’t necessary:

• Incorrect: Please take your feet off of the couch.
• Correct: Please take your feet off the couch.
• Incorrect: He slid off of the bed and started walking.
• Correct: He slid off the bed and started walking.

Practice Time

Choose the correct option to complete each sentence without using “off of”:

1. She quickly got _______ the stage after the performance.
   • (a) off
   • (b) off of
2. The cat jumped _______ the counter when it heard a noise.
   • (a) off
   • (b) off of
3. Could you move the boxes _______ the table, please?
   • (a) off
   • (b) off of

Answers: 1. (a) off, 2. (a) off, 3. (a) off

Quick Tip for Remembering

A helpful way to remember this rule is: “Off alone is enough!” Whenever you feel like saying “off of,” check if “off” by itself makes the sentence clear—it usually will!