Expressions: off sick / out sick

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello again

I read a sentence:

1- She is off work sick.

Is it correct? :shock: If so, what grammar point is that? If I had to say it, I would this way:

1- She is off work because she is sick.

Please help me understand it :smiley:

Tom

2

Hi Tom

I’d just look at that sentence as being economical with words. :lol:

Actually, assuming that someone has called an office and asked to speak to her, then I would actually expect to hear an even more economical version of your sentence:
“She’s off sick.”
– OR –
“She’s out sick.”

Amy

3

Thank you, Amy

So again is it a set expression or I could be economical with words in other situations too?

1- She is off busy.
2- He is off personal work.

(If viewed from grammatical angle, sick and busy both are adjectives. What do you think?)

Tom

4

Hi Tom

No, this particular economical use of words only works with “sick”. :lol (Set expression)

Amy

5

Last question, Amy. Thank you again,

Could this set expression be used in an interrogative and a negative sense or not?See below, please

1- Is he off (work) sick today?
2- She was not off (work) sick yesterday.

1- I am off work today= I am off today.

(Am I right?)

Tom

6

Hi Tom

Yes, all are OK

Amy