Off work vs. out at work

[Geozefal]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #100 "The Parliamentary Candidate (3)", question 2

As most of the men were ......... at work, his audience consisted mainly of women and young children.

(a) off
(b) over
(c) under
(d) out

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #100 "The Parliamentary Candidate (3)", answer 2

As most of the men were out at work, his audience consisted mainly of women and young children.

Correct answer: (d) out

Your answer was: incorrect
As most of the men were off at work, his audience consisted mainly of women and young children.
_________________________

Why not "off"?

thanks
Geozefal

[Alan]

Hi,

Two expressions:
off work means not working possibly because you are not well or on holiday.

out at work means not at home and working.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Communicating with you?

[Stoiko]

Hi, Alan

What about the expression:
I'm off to work

Isn't it the same as:
I'm out at work ?

[Alan]

Hi Stoiko,

Welcome to the site. 'Off to work' means you have left home and are on the way to work. 'Out at work' means you are not at home because you are working.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story A funny thing happened...

[Stoiko]

Thank you, Alan

The site is very good, one of the best of its kind. Cheers!