What are the definitions of “auction off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Sell something in an auction.
They AUCTIONED OFF their property as they were heavily in debt.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “auction off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb auction off is to sell something in an auction. An auction is a public sale where people bid on items, and the highest bidder wins the item. For example, it can mean selling a house, a car, or a valuable painting at an auction.
What are the different verb forms of “auction off”?
| Root Verb | auction off |
| Third Person Singular Present | auctions off |
| Present Participle | auctioning off |
| Simple Past | auctioned off |
| Past Participle | auctioned off |
Example
The family decided to auction off their antique collection.
Example
The company auctions off its surplus equipment every year.
Example
They are auctioning off their rare coin collection to raise money for charity.
Example
The painting was auctioned off for a record-breaking price.
Example
The valuable items had been auctioned off before we arrived at the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “auction 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
“auction 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 museum auctioned off some of its artifacts.
Example
She auctioned off her jewelry to pay her debts.
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
“auction 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 museum auctioned off some of its artifacts.
Example
She auctioned off her jewelry to pay her debts.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “auction off”?
A person who conducts auctions, taking bids and announcing the winning bidder.
Example
The auctioneer skillfully managed the bidding process and kept the audience engaged.
Good things to know
Does “auction off” have an informal or formal tone?
Auction off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business transactions or legal documents.
