What are the definitions of “cap off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Finish or complete, often with some decisive action.
She CAPPED OFF the meeting with a radical proposal.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cap off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cap off is to finish or complete something, often with a decisive action or a final touch. It is used to describe the end of an event or a situation that concludes with a significant or memorable action.
What are the different verb forms of “cap off”?
| Root Verb | cap off |
| Third Person Singular Present | caps off |
| Present Participle | capping off |
| Simple Past | capped off |
| Past Participle | capped off |
Example
The fireworks display capped off the celebration.
Example
He always caps off his speeches with a powerful quote.
Example
She is capping off the presentation with a surprise announcement.
Example
They capped off the concert with their most popular song.
Example
The event was capped off with a spectacular fireworks show.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cap 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
“cap 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 capped off the meeting with a radical proposal.
Example
He capped off his vacation with a visit to the beach.
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
“cap 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 capped off the meeting with a radical proposal.
Example
He capped off his vacation with a visit to the beach.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cap off”?
Cap off a successful day/week/year
To end a successful period of time with a final achievement or accomplishment.
Example
After winning several awards, they capped off a successful year with a big party.
To end a performance, such as a concert or a show, with a memorable or impressive finale.
Example
The band capped off their performance with an encore of their most famous song.
Good things to know
Does “cap off” have an informal or formal tone?
Cap off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic presentations.
