What are the definitions of “rope off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Extend ropes or barriers across or around an area.
The celebrity entrance was ROPED OFF from the general public.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rope off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rope off is to use ropes or barriers to separate or restrict access to a specific area. This is often done to protect a space, control crowds, or create a boundary.
What are the different verb forms of “rope off”?
| Root Verb | rope off |
| Third Person Singular Present | ropes off |
| Present Participle | roping off |
| Simple Past | roped off |
| Past Participle | roped off |
Example
They decided to rope off the construction site for safety reasons.
Example
The museum staff ropes off the exhibit to prevent visitors from touching the artwork.
Example
The event organizers are roping off the VIP area before the concert starts.
Example
The police roped off the crime scene to preserve evidence.
Example
The area was roped off to keep people from entering the restricted zone.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rope 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
“rope 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
The staff roped off the exhibit to protect it.
Example
They roped the area off for the private party.
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
“rope 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
The staff roped off the exhibit to protect it.
Example
They roped the area off for the private party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rope off”?
Rope off a crime scene
To use ropes or barriers to restrict access to a location where a crime has occurred.
Example
The police roped off the crime scene to prevent contamination of evidence.
Rope off a VIP area
To separate a special area for important guests or celebrities at an event.
Example
The event organizers roped off the VIP area to give the celebrities some privacy.
Rope off a construction site
To create a boundary around a construction area to keep people away for safety reasons.
Example
The construction crew roped off the site to prevent accidents.
Good things to know
Does “rope off” have an informal or formal tone?
Rope off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in news reports or official documents, depending on the specific context.
