What are the definitions of “be off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be bad ( of food ).
This yoghurt must BE OFF; it smells foul.
- 2Depart, leave.
I'm OFF home; it's five o'clock.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be off is to depart or leave a place. It is often used when someone is leaving work, school, or any other location. For example, it can mean leaving home to go to work, or leaving work to go home.
What are the different verb forms of “be off”?
| Root Verb | be off |
| Third Person Singular Present | is off |
| Present Participle | being off |
| Simple Past | was/were off |
| Past Participle | been off |
Example
I am off to the store to buy some groceries.
Example
She is off to her friend's house for a sleepover.
Example
He is being off to the gym after work.
Example
Yesterday, they were off to the beach for a day of fun.
Example
She had been off to the library to study for her exams.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“be off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I am off to the store.
Example
She is off to her friend's house.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“be off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I am off to the store.
Example
She is off to her friend's house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be off”?
Be off* (food)
When food has gone bad or spoiled, making it unsafe or unpleasant to eat.
Example
This milk is off; it smells sour and should be thrown away.
Be off* (event)
When an event or plan is canceled or postponed.
Example
The concert is off due to the bad weather.
Be off* (relationship)
When a relationship has ended or is no longer happening.
Example
They are off now; they broke up last week.
Good things to know
Does “be off” have an informal or formal tone?
Be off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or situations where a more formal tone is required. In such cases, alternative phrases like 'depart,' 'leave,' or 'go bad' (for food) can be used.
