Definition

1. Verb:
   • To call out numbers in sequence, typically starting from one, with each person in a group saying the next number in turn. This is often done to organize a group, determine positions, or count members.

Usage

• The primary use of count off is as a command or instruction given to a group of people (e.g., soldiers, students, team members) to establish order or number themselves.
• It is a separable phrasal verb. The object (e.g., the group) can come between "count" and "off" (e.g., "count the squad off") or after "off" (e.g., "count off by twos").

Examples

• Basic Command:
  • "Alright team, count off!" (The first person says "one," the next says "two," and so on.)
• With Specification:
  • "Please count off by threes for the group activity." (People would say: one, two, three, one, two, three...)
  • "The sergeant counted the soldiers off."
• To Determine Order:
  • "We counted off to decide who would go first."

Advanced Usage

• "Count off from the right/left": Specifies the direction from which the counting sequence should begin.
  • "Count off from the right, starting with you."
• "Count off by [number]": Used to divide a large group into smaller units of a specified size.
  • "Count off by fours to form your quiz teams."

Variants and Related Words

• Count-off (noun, hyphenated): The act or instance of counting off.
  • After the count-off, we had 25 participants.
• Count out (phrasal verb): To exclude someone from a group or activity.
  • If you're late, we'll have to count you out.

Synonyms

• Number off: Has an identical meaning and is often used interchangeably.
  • "Number off, starting from the back."
• Call out numbers: A more descriptive phrase for the same action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Count on/upon: To rely on someone or something.
  • You can count on me to be there.
• Count in: To include someone.
  • Please count me in for the party.

Related Idioms

• Count heads/noses: To count the number of people present.
  • Before we leave, the teacher will count heads.
• Stand up and be counted: To make one's opinions or allegiance known publicly.
  • It's time to stand up and be counted on this important issue.

Verb

1. call in turn from right to left or from back to front numbers that determine some position or function