What are the definitions of “cop off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave work or school early.
We COPPED OFF early on Friday because there was nothing to do.
- 2Kiss, pet or have sex with someone.
She COPPED OFF with Damian at the end - of - term party.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cop off”?
The phrasal verb cop off has two distinct meanings. The more common meaning is to leave work or school early, often implying that there isn't much to do or that it's a relaxed day. The second meaning is more informal and refers to kissing, petting, or having a romantic or sexual encounter with someone.
What are the different verb forms of “cop off”?
| Root Verb | cop off |
| Third Person Singular Present | cops off |
| Present Participle | copping off |
| Simple Past | copped off |
| Past Participle | copped off |
Example
They decided to cop off work and have a picnic.
Example
She usually cops off school whenever she can.
Example
He's been copping off early all week due to the heat.
Example
Last Friday, they copped off and went to the beach.
Example
She felt tired, so she had copped off before the party started.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cop 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.)
Intransitive verb
“cop 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
They copped off work on Friday to enjoy the sunny weather.
Example
She often cops off school when there's a special 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
“cop 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
They copped off work on Friday to enjoy the sunny weather.
Example
She often cops off school when there's a special event.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cop off”?
Good things to know
Does “cop off” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb cop off is quite informal. The more common meaning, which refers to leaving work or school early, is more neutral and can be used in casual conversations. However, the second meaning, related to romantic or sexual encounters, is more slang and should be used carefully, considering the context and the audience.
