What are the definitions of “get off on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Enjoy a drug.
He GETS OFF ON crystal meth every night.
- 2Become excited by.
She GETS OFF ON her power over us.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get off on”?
The phrasal verb get off on is most commonly used to express the idea of deriving pleasure or excitement from something. This could be a physical sensation, an activity, or even a thought or idea. For example, someone might get off on a particular type of music, a certain hobby, or even the feeling of power or control.
What are the different verb forms of “get off on”?
| Root Verb | get off on |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets off on |
| Present Participle | getting off on |
| Simple Past | got off on |
| Past Participle | gotten off on |
Example
He seems to get off on causing trouble.
Example
She gets off on the thrill of skydiving.
Example
They are getting off on the excitement of the competition.
Example
Yesterday, he got off on the adrenaline rush from the race.
Example
She had gotten off on the feeling of power in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get off on”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“get off on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He gets off on the thrill of the chase.
Example
She got off on the feeling of power.
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
“get off on” 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
He gets off on the thrill of the chase.
Example
She got off on the feeling of power.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get off on”?
Get off on the wrong foot
To start something in a bad way
Example
We got off on the wrong foot when we first met, but we're good friends now.
Get off on a tangent
To start talking about something that is only slightly or indirectly related to the original subject
Example
During the meeting, we got off on a tangent discussing unrelated issues.
Get off on one's own
To start doing something independently
Example
After college, he decided to get off on his own and start a business.
Good things to know
Does “get off on” have an informal or formal tone?
Get off on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversation. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. However, it can be used in a variety of contexts, depending on the subject matter. For example, it might be used in a discussion about hobbies, interests, or personal preferences.
