The phrasal verb "stop off" is predominantly used in informal speech, though it can occasionally appear in formal contexts, particularly in travel-related narratives or planning discussions. It typically means to make a brief visit or pause somewhere during a journey before continuing to the main destination. This usage is common in conversations about travel itineraries and scheduling where one might say, "We plan to stop off at the museum on our way to the hotel." The phrasal verb conveys the temporary nature of the visit and is often used when the stop is planned or anticipated. Its flexibility allows it to be employed in both spoken and written forms, particularly in travel blogs, casual conversations, or informal travel guides. Additionally, "stop off" can be used to describe a spontaneous decision to take a break, offering a layer of adaptability in use.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To make a short visit or break in a journey to a particular place, usually not the final destination.
On our way to Chicago, we decided to stop off at a small town for lunch.
We stopped off briefly at the museum before continuing our trip to the beach.
During our road trip, we stopped off in several cities to explore different attractions.