A colleague of mine is convinced that, in a list, it's acceptable to say "1 off this" or "3 off that".

I disagree and am convinced that only "of" is correct in this context.

The background is that we're engineers, and he thinks that it's acceptable specifically in an engineering context. I think that it's more likely that some engineers just don't know better, as many can't string a cohesive sentence together or label a chest of "draws" correctly.

(I say that as an engineer myself - after all it is acceptable to insult groups you yourself belong to isn't it?)

I can't find anything online confirming or denying this, but as always proving a negative can be impossible - and this isn't helped by the fact that searching for "usage off lists" gives me lists where things are switched off, etc.

Any ideas anyone?

There is an expression "one-off" that means a one-time exchange rather than a continual business relationship, but something tells me it is more like what thar said: it has to to with a local accent, or maybe even a hearing problem.

I hope you don't mind if I sniggered at the thought of someone having "draws trouble."
(Blame it on the mardi gras ;) )

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"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." - Satchel Paige

I spend too much time on the net reading comments. It's not unusual to see:

"OK first off, he should of ...."

1) The writer may find it appropriate since he's sounding off.
2) The writer may want to contrast it w/ of (which for him replaces have).

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Brain-washing starts in the cradle. - Arthur Koestler

Thanks everyone :)



This convention sounds like the source of my colleague's misunderstanding, but I don't quite follow you. Do you have any examples? It sounds like "off" in that context means something like "1 off the production line."


aidall - "updations" is definitely wrong, can't believe any native speaker would say that as it sounds so unnatural?!? It's "updates" for sure :).

That's an accounting convention where items are struck off the inventory as they are used or sold.

Edited to add: I have also heard contractors using such language to set up a "take off" sheet, or bill of materials, for a particular project. Retailers use a similar inventory system to control "shortage," "breakage," "shrinkage," etc. — all euphemisms for pilfering.

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"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." - Satchel Paige

Indeed! Sorry, I was adding something while you responded. I didn't mean to be tricky or anything.

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"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." - Satchel Paige