2007-01-01 05:00:46 · 8 answers · asked by Queen T 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
technically the alarm is "going off."
when you set it, it is "on." so, when the time is up, it goes "off." the actual alarm is set and already "on."
the sound is what is coming "on." but the alarm is "going off."
when something is set, like and alarm for instance, we normally say that is "going off." it does not necessarily mean that the alarm is actually turning "off." it can also mean that in truth, the alarm sound is actually going "on."
the blame is really in the english language. beacuse we grow up teaching that the same phrases can actually mean different things, it is harder to understand.
the entire term is not gramatically correct in either case. we just use it so.
2007-01-01 05:14:41 · answer #1 · answered by rose 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, they also say," Don't go off on me!" when they are being verbally attacked. It's a slang saying, not a technically accurate one--there are MANY in the English language. It's good that you are thinking, but maybe you have too much time on your hands this holiday season. Don't worry, school will restart soon.
2007-01-01 13:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by Dorothy and Toto 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this is one of those "park on the driveway but drive on the parkway" kinds of things.
OTOH, when the alarm goes off, so does your sleep.
2007-01-01 13:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by E Yow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same reason the British say you get on the car and my coworker says you cut off the light.
2007-01-01 13:02:53 · answer #4 · answered by Nancy O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How come people keep telling me my glass is half empty when anyone can see its half full
2007-01-01 13:02:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never thought of that before, i have no clue.
2007-01-01 13:02:06 · answer #6 · answered by my # is 1-800-you-wish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmmm, never really thought about that one!
2007-01-01 13:02:44 · answer #7 · answered by Elayna R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know
2007-01-01 13:03:03 · answer #8 · answered by femio2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋