What are the definitions of “buy off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pay someone to stop them causing trouble.
He BOUGHT the newspaper OFF by placing a lot of adverts.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buy off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buy off is to pay someone, usually with money or favors, to stop them from causing trouble or to gain their cooperation. This can include bribing someone to keep quiet about a secret or to influence their actions.
What are the different verb forms of “buy off”?
| Root Verb | buy off |
| Third Person Singular Present | buys off |
| Present Participle | buying off |
| Simple Past | bought off |
| Past Participle | bought off |
Example
The politician tried to buy off the journalist to prevent the scandal from being exposed.
Example
He buys off the security guard to gain access to the restricted area.
Example
The company is buying off the competition to maintain its market dominance.
Example
She bought off the witness to ensure a favorable outcome in court.
Example
The corrupt official had been bought off by the criminal organization.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buy 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
“buy 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 businessman bought off the inspector to avoid penalties.
Example
She bought the witness off to win the case.
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
“buy 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 businessman bought off the inspector to avoid penalties.
Example
She bought the witness off to win the case.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buy off”?
Good things to know
Does “buy off” have an informal or formal tone?
Buy off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal contexts, synonyms such as 'bribe' or 'pay off' may be more appropriate.
