What are the definitions of “cart off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take someone away, usually under arrest or to prison.
The police CARTED them OFF to question them.
- 2Take something away, especially if stealing or without permission.
The thieves CARTED OFF all the ticket receipts.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cart off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cart off is to take something or someone away, often without permission or under force. It can be used to describe taking someone away under arrest or to prison, or taking something away, such as stealing or removing an item.
What are the different verb forms of “cart off”?
| Root Verb | cart off |
| Third Person Singular Present | carts off |
| Present Participle | carting off |
| Simple Past | carted off |
| Past Participle | carted off |
Example
The police carted off the suspect for questioning.
Example
He carts off the old furniture to the dump.
Example
They are carting off the stolen goods to their hideout.
Example
The workers carted off the debris after the demolition.
Example
The stolen items were carted off by the thieves.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cart 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
“cart 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 carted off the suspect.
Example
The thieves carted off the stolen goods.
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
“cart 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 carted off the suspect.
Example
The thieves carted off the stolen goods.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cart off”?
Good things to know
Does “cart off” have an informal or formal tone?
Cart off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or everyday speech. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'take away,' 'remove,' or 'transport.'
