Have you ever been way off base about something?
It is a common error to make assumptions that are wrong.
We don’t want you to be off base when it comes to business English!
Listen in today and learn phrases and expressions to use when you made an incorrect assumption.
Incorrect assumptions
Michelle asks Lindsay if she has ever been way off base about something.
Lindsay says she definitely has.
Just recently she was way off base in assuming what the weather would be that day.
She stayed inside her house all day and didn’t realize that it was hot outside.
She was really distracted and went out wearing her winter jacket.
Michelle adds that predicting the weather can be difficult.
It’s so hard to get it right at times.
Today’s question
Today, Lindsay and Michelle will answer a listener question about being “off base.”
Here is the question from a Youtube subscriber:
Hi Lindsay and Aubrey. First of all, thanks so much for your amazing podcasts. I’m a big fan of your podcasts, and they’re so useful and practical. I have a question for you, I was wondering if you could tell me the meaning of “off base”? In which situations can we use this idiom? Thank you in advance! Omid from Iran. ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
This is an excellent question!
The phrase “off base” is an expression that a lot of native English speakers use.
Are you off base?
Lindsay and Michelle discuss the idiom “off base” and other similar expressions.
They will provide examples so you can get a better understanding of the meaning for each.
The expression “off base” basically means wrong, in the simplest terms.
It comes from baseball like many idioms, when a runner is called out for being off the base.
It can be used when someone makes a wrong assumption, their perception of something is wrong, or what they think is wrong.
Examples:
- I know you are trying to help, but your handling of the situation was way off base.
- I don’t think I’m off base when I say our company morale has gone downhill.
This idiom is important since you want words you can use to express if something is assumed incorrectly.
The problem of incorrect assumptions
Assumptions are especially common in the workplace where a lot of quick decisions must be made.
We often assume things to save time!
If someone has incorrect assumptions, it is useful to use the idiom ‘off base’ to provide clarity.
Giving feedback is valuable in a collaborative work environment.
Lindsay shares that it can sound harsh to say something or someone is off base.
Reserve this for more informal settings or with someone you already have a good working relationship with.
Accidental or on purpose?
You may be wondering if this phrase is used when someone does something accidentally.
It can be used both for accidents or for actions that were done intentionally.
For example, someone’s estimate might be off base.
Other ways to say “off base”
Here are similar phrases and expressions you can use to say something or someone is incorrect.
We’ll share each with examples and how formal they are.
#1: Misguided
This can sound kind of snide.
This means it is accompanied by judgment or criticism.
It is quite direct so you shouldn’t use this with your superiors.
Example:
I think you’re a bit misguided here. Our company has never changed our policy on this.
#2: Way off
This is a good way to emphasize and can be a dramatic word to use.
It’s used most when you’re in an argument or heated discussion.
This can happen among colleagues or in meetings.
Example:
I’m sorry, but I think you’re way off here. We should hand out the pamphlets before they enter the room.
#3: Miss the mark or off the mark
This is a more polite way of saying something is wrong but you can tweak it so it’s now correct.
These are interchangeable and mean the same.
It can be used to describe both people and circumstances.
Example:
I think we missed the mark on this presentation. Let’s consider how we can improve next time.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay between Lindsay and Michelle using the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
This will give you a good understanding of how you can use the terms you’ve learned in a normal English conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are reviewing a meeting that didn’t go so well.
Michelle: So, I think part of the issue was our lack of practice. We should put more time into it next time.
Lindsay: I totally agree – you’re not off base at all. We missed the mark .
Michelle: Yeah! I mean…maybe no technology next time?
Lindsay: Ehhhh I think that’s a bit misguided. It wasn’t the tech issues.
Michelle: That’s true – but I’m not way off in thinking that. It did cause problems.
Lindsay: True.
Takeaway
In both business and daily life, there are moments when you need to call out a misunderstanding or gently correct someone’s assumption.
Knowing how to express that something isn’t quite right, without sounding harsh, can make all the difference.
Whether you’re giving feedback to a teammate or clearing up a miscommunication, it helps to have the right expressions that strike a balance between honesty and respect.
Thoughtful language allows you to be clear, without damaging relationships.
Check out episode BE 409: Why You Should Not Tell Someone to Stay in Their Lane to learn more vocabulary in setting expectations and boundaries at work.
What are other phrases do you use to correct assumptions?
Please share it with us in the comments below.
