What does the phrasal verb “clear off” mean?

What are the definitions of “clear off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Leave somewhere quickly.

  As soon as the trouble started, we CLEARED OFF.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clear off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clear off is to leave a place quickly, often to avoid trouble or an unpleasant situation. For example, it can mean leaving a party when a fight starts or departing from a place when the police arrive.

What are the different verb forms of “clear off”?

Root Verb	clear off
Third Person Singular Present	clears off
Present Participle	clearing off
Simple Past	cleared off
Past Participle	cleared off

Example

When it started raining, we had to clear off the beach.

Example

She clears off as soon as her boss arrives.

Example

They are clearing off the scene before the police come.

Example

He cleared off when he saw his ex-girlfriend at the party.

Example

The kids cleared off when they heard their parents coming.

What kind of phrasal verb is “clear off”?

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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.)

Intransitive verb

“clear off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

We cleared off when the argument started.

Example

The crowd cleared off when the police arrived.

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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

“clear 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

We cleared off when the argument started.

Example

The crowd cleared off when the police arrived.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clear off”?

Clear off the table

To remove items from a table, such as dishes, glasses, or food.

Example

After dinner, she asked her children to clear off the table.

Clear off the snow

To remove snow from a surface, such as a car windshield or a sidewalk.

Example

He had to clear off the snow from his car before driving to work.

Clear off the shelves

To remove items from shelves, often to make space for new items.

Example

The store is having a sale to clear off the shelves for new inventory.

Good things to know

Does “clear off” have an informal or formal tone?

Clear off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases, such as 'depart quickly' or 'leave immediately'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “clear off”?

Synonyms

• depart
• leave
• exit
• go away
• run off
• make oneself scarce

Antonyms

• arrive
• enter
• stay
• remain
• come
• appear