Grammar fix
come off as
seem to be a particular type of person
To give people a certain impression of your personality, attitude, or mood, often without meaning to.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He can come off as a bit arrogant, but he's actually very friendly once you get to know him.
In group discussions, I sometimes worry that I come off as too quiet, even though I'm paying attention.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I don't want to come off rude.
Say: I don't want to come off as rude.
Use 'come off AS + description' — don't drop the 'as'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Gives the impression of being' is wordy; 'come off as' is the natural spoken way to say how someone seems.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
come off as + trait
- rude
- arrogant
- cold
- desperate