Writing tip 26: ‘Take off’ or ‘take from’

When you take something ‘off’ a person, you take it from the surface of their body.

Example

Susie took the spider off Amy’s shoulder.

When you take something ‘from’ a person, you take it from their possession.

Example

Andrew took the cricket bat from Tom.

This rule works in the same way for things.

Example

Kate took the broom from the cupboard. Next she took the flowers off the table.

An exception to this rule is when ‘take’ means ‘derive’. Then ‘off’ is the correct word.

Example

He took measurements off the drawings.

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