What are the definitions of “measure off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Measure something and mark the point where it ends or will be cut.
The tailor MEASURED OFF the material for my suit.
- 2Mark a length on something to cut it.
He MEASURED OFF a metre of the silk.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “measure off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb measure off is to measure something and mark the point where it ends or will be cut. It is often used when talking about measuring materials, such as fabric or wood, before cutting them.
What are the different verb forms of “measure off”?
| Root Verb | measure off |
| Third Person Singular Present | measures off |
| Present Participle | measuring off |
| Simple Past | measured off |
| Past Participle | measured off |
Example
The carpenter measured off the wood before cutting it.
Example
She measures off the fabric carefully before sewing.
Example
He is measuring off the rope to make sure it's the right length.
Example
Yesterday, they measured off the area for the new garden.
Example
The space for the new room was measured off and marked.
What kind of phrasal verb is “measure 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.)
Transitive verb
“measure off” 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
She measured off the fabric for the curtains.
Example
He measured the wood off before cutting it.
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
“measure 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
She measured off the fabric for the curtains.
Example
He measured the wood off before cutting it.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “measure off”?
Measure off a distance
To measure a specific distance and mark the end point.
Example
The surveyor measured off the distance between the two points on the map.
Measure off an area
To measure and mark the boundaries of a specific area.
Example
They measured off the area for the new playground before construction began.
Measure off a length
To measure a specific length of a material and mark the point where it will be cut.
Example
The seamstress measured off the length of fabric needed for the dress.
Good things to know
Does “measure off” have an informal or formal tone?
Measure off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in professional or technical discussions.
