Asked by Eric

When people say the alarm is off, does it mean its turned on (beeping...ringing...etc) or does it mean is actually turned off (no sound)?
Answered by SraJMcGin
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. When the alarm is off, there is no sound.
Answered by Eric
how about when the alarm went off?
Answered by Writeacher
Just as you said -- "the alarm went off."

If it <b>is</b> off, it means it's been turned off and will not make sounds.

If it <b>went</b> off, it means something triggered it and it's making LOTS of noise!

If it <b>is on</b>, it means it's set, but hasn't gone off.

Sometimes, idiomatic uses of words in English are fairly bizarre, aren't they?

=)
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