What are the definitions of “close off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Block a place to stop people entering.
The police CLOSED the road OFF after the explosion.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “close off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb close off is to block a place or area to prevent people from entering. This can be done for safety reasons, construction work, or other purposes.
What are the different verb forms of “close off”?
| Root Verb | close off |
| Third Person Singular Present | closes off |
| Present Participle | closing off |
| Simple Past | closed off |
| Past Participle | closed off |
Example
They decided to close off the park for maintenance.
Example
The city closes off the street for the annual parade.
Example
The workers are closing off the area for repairs.
Example
The police closed off the road after the accident.
Example
The area has been closed off due to a gas leak.
What kind of phrasal verb is “close 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
“close 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 construction crew closed off the sidewalk.
Example
They closed the area off for the event.
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
“close 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 construction crew closed off the sidewalk.
Example
They closed the area off for the event.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “close off”?
To end a conversation or discussion, often abruptly or decisively.
Example
She closed off the argument by stating her final decision.
Good things to know
Does “close off” have an informal or formal tone?
Close 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 news reports or official announcements.
