What does the phrasal verb “burn off” mean?

What are the definitions of “burn off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Remove by burning or similar process.

  I BURN OFF a lot of calories in the gym.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb burn off is to remove or eliminate something, usually calories or fat, through a process that involves burning, such as exercise or heat. For example, it can mean losing weight by exercising or burning away fog or clouds with the sun's heat.

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

Root Verb	burn off
Third Person Singular Present	burns off
Present Participle	burning off
Simple Past	burned off
Past Participle	burned off

Example

I burn off a lot of calories when I go for a run.

Example

She burns off her stress by doing yoga.

Example

The sun is burning off the morning fog.

Example

He burned off some energy by playing basketball.

Example

The extra calories from the dessert were burned off during the workout.

What kind of phrasal verb is “burn 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

“burn 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 burned off the extra calories by exercising.

Example

The sun burned off the fog in the morning.

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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

“burn 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 burned off the extra calories by exercising.

Example

The sun burned off the fog in the morning.

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

Burn off energy

To use up excess energy, often through physical activity.

Example

The kids need to burn off some energy, so we're taking them to the park.

Burn off steam

To release pent-up emotions or stress, usually through physical activity or expression.

Example

After a long day at work, I like to burn off steam by going for a run.

Burn off fat

To lose body fat through exercise or other activities that increase calorie expenditure.

Example

Regular exercise can help you burn off fat and maintain a healthy weight.

Good things to know

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

Burn 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 discussing health, fitness, or weather conditions.

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

Synonyms

• eliminate
• remove
• lose
• expend
• dissipate
• clear

Antonyms

• gain
• accumulate
• store
• retain
• hold
• keep