What are the definitions of “carry off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Win, succeed.
She CARRIED OFF the first prize in the competition.
- 2Die of a disease.
Cancer CARRIED him OFF a couple of years ago.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “carry off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb carry off is to win or succeed in something, such as a competition or an award. It means that someone has achieved victory or success in a particular situation.
What are the different verb forms of “carry off”?
| Root Verb | carry off |
| Third Person Singular Present | carries off |
| Present Participle | carrying off |
| Simple Past | carried off |
| Past Participle | carried off |
Example
The team managed to carry off the championship trophy.
Example
She carries off the presentation with confidence.
Example
He is carrying off the difficult task with ease.
Example
They carried off the award for best performance.
Example
The prize was carried off by the most talented contestant.
What kind of phrasal verb is “carry 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
“carry 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 carried off the first prize in the competition.
Example
Cancer carried him off a couple of years ago.
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
“carry 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 carried off the first prize in the competition.
Example
Cancer carried him off a couple of years ago.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “carry off”?
Good things to know
Does “carry off” have an informal or formal tone?
Carry off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
