SpeakUp

Grammar fix

come off as

seem to be a particular type of person

To give people a certain impression of your personality, attitude, or mood, often without meaning to.

phrasal verbB2common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • He can come off as a bit arrogant, but he's actually very friendly once you get to know him.communication
  • In group discussions, I sometimes worry that I come off as too quiet, even though I'm paying attention.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: come off as + adjective/noun

WrongI don't want to come off rude.

RightI don't want to come off as rude.

Use 'come off AS + description' — don't drop the 'as'.

Patterncome off as + adjective/noun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He gives the impression of being rather arrogant.

Natural He comes off as a bit arrogant.

'Gives the impression of being' is wordy; 'come off as' is the natural spoken way to say how someone seems.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • come off as + trait
    rudearrogantcolddesperate

Don't confuse it

'Come off as' is about the impression you give, not your true personality.

Try it in Daily Speak →