What are the definitions of “clean off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove dirt or something dirty.
After dinner, I CLEANED OFF the table.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clean off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clean off is to remove dirt, dust, or any unwanted substance from a surface or object. For example, it can mean wiping a table after a meal, cleaning a dirty window, or removing dust from a shelf.
What are the different verb forms of “clean off”?
| Root Verb | clean off |
| Third Person Singular Present | cleans off |
| Present Participle | cleaning off |
| Simple Past | cleaned off |
| Past Participle | cleaned off |
Example
Please clean off the kitchen counter after cooking.
Example
She cleans off her desk every evening before leaving work.
Example
He is cleaning off the mud from his shoes.
Example
Yesterday, they cleaned off the dirty windows.
Example
The table has been cleaned off and is ready for the next meal.
What kind of phrasal verb is “clean 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
“clean 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 cleaned off the dirty dishes.
Example
He cleaned the table off after dinner.
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
“clean 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 cleaned off the dirty dishes.
Example
He cleaned the table off after dinner.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clean off”?
Good things to know
Does “clean off” have an informal or formal tone?
Clean off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a workplace or academic environment.
