What does the phrasal verb “block off” mean?

What are the definitions of “block off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Obstruct an exit to prevent people from leaving.

  The police BLOCKED OFF the road after the murder.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “block off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb block off is to obstruct or close a passage, road, or area to prevent people from entering or leaving. For example, it can mean closing a road due to an accident, or preventing access to a certain area.

What are the different verb forms of “block off”?

Root Verb	block off
Third Person Singular Present	blocks off
Present Participle	blocking off
Simple Past	blocked off
Past Participle	blocked off

Example

The construction workers block off the street for repairs.

Example

She blocks off the hallway to clean the floors.

Example

They are blocking off the entrance to the building for security reasons.

Example

Yesterday, the police blocked off the area after the incident.

Example

The road was blocked off due to the heavy snowfall.

What kind of phrasal verb is “block off”?

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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

“block 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 police blocked off the road after the accident.

Example

They blocked the area off for the event.

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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

“block 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 police blocked off the road after the accident.

Example

They blocked the area off for the event.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “block off”?

Block off time

To reserve or set aside a specific period of time for a particular activity or purpose.

Example

I block off an hour each day for exercise to maintain a healthy routine.

Block off access

To prevent people from entering or using a specific area or resource.

Example

The school blocked off access to the playground during construction.

Block off a view

To obstruct or hinder the visibility of something.

Example

The tall building blocks off the view of the mountains from our apartment.

Good things to know

Does “block off” have an informal or formal tone?

Block 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 news reports or official communications.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “block off”?

Synonyms

• obstruct
• barricade
• impede
• restrict
• close off
• seal off
• cordon off
• shut off

Antonyms

• open
• unblock
• clear
• free
• allow
• permit
• release
• unseal