run off

leave a place suddenly, often to escape

B2

What does "run off" mean?

To run off means to leave a place suddenly, without warning or proper explanation. The departure is typically impulsive or evasive — the person (or animal) simply disappears without doing what would normally be expected, like saying goodbye or finishing a conversation. Because of this, the phrase often carries a slightly disapproving or exasperated tone, as if the person acted irresponsibly or rudely. It tends to appear in casual storytelling, where someone is recounting what happened, and works well with details about direction or manner — for example, running off down the street or running off laughing. This is an informal expression, more at home in spoken conversation or casual writing than in formal or professional contexts.

Examples

How to use it

subject + run off

The most basic pattern — 'run off' is used on its own with no object, since this sense is intransitive.

He just ran off without a word.

run off + directional adverbial

A phrase showing where someone ran off to is commonly added to give more context to the departure.

The dog ran off into the park before I could grab its lead.

run off + manner adverbial

An adverb or participle describing how someone left can follow 'run off' to add colour or detail.

The children ran off laughing as soon as the bell rang.

run off + without + noun/gerund

A 'without' phrase is frequently used to emphasise what the person failed to do before leaving.

She ran off without finishing her part of the project.

run off + before + clause

A 'before' clause can be added to show what the person managed to avoid by leaving so suddenly.

The suspect ran off before the security guard reached the door.

Common Collocations

run off without warningrun off laughingrun off homerun off down the streetrun off after an argumentrun off before being caught

Common Mistakes

Adding an object after 'off'

In this sense, 'run off' is intransitive — it cannot take a direct object. If you want to say where someone left from, use a phrase like 'run out of' or add a directional adverbial instead.

✗ She ran off the room when the argument started.
✓ She ran off when the argument started. / She ran out of the room when the argument started.
Confusing 'run off' with 'run away'

'Run away' suggests a more serious, lasting escape — such as leaving home permanently — whereas 'run off' describes a sudden, impulsive departure from a specific moment or situation, often implying evasion rather than a major life decision.

✗ He had been unhappy for years, so he finally ran off from home.
✓ He had been unhappy for years, so he finally ran away from home.
Mixing up the two senses of 'run off'

'Run off' also has a completely different transitive meaning — to copy or print something (e.g. 'run off some leaflets'). This sense takes an object and can be separated; the 'leave suddenly' sense never takes an object. Context usually makes the meaning clear, but be careful not to confuse the two.

Usage

This phrasal verb is informal and mostly used in spoken English or casual writing. It often sounds slightly disapproving, suggesting the person left rudely or irresponsibly without explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'run off' always sound negative or disapproving?

Not always, but it often does carry a slightly critical or exasperated tone — suggesting the person left without doing what was expected. However, it can also be used humorously or lightly, especially when talking about children or animals, without strong disapproval.

Can I use 'run off' in formal writing?

It's best to avoid it in formal or academic writing, where it would sound out of place. Stick to 'run off' in casual conversation, personal stories, social media posts, or informal messages. In formal contexts, you could say 'left abruptly' or 'departed without warning' instead.

What's the difference between 'run off' and 'run off with'?

Adding 'with' creates a completely different meaning. 'Run off with someone' means to leave together with that person, often romantically or secretly. 'Run off with something' means to steal it and leave. Without 'with', 'run off' simply means to leave suddenly on your own.

Is 'run off' used more in British or American English?

It's used in both British and American English without any strong regional preference. The informal, conversational tone is consistent across varieties of English.

Can 'run off' describe an animal, not just a person?

Yes, it's very natural to use 'run off' for animals — in fact, it's one of the most common contexts. Sentences like 'The cat ran off when it heard the noise' or 'Our dog ran off during the walk' are perfectly idiomatic and often said with a tone of mild exasperation.

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