What are the definitions of “cream off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Separate the best or most talented people so that they can receive special or different treatment.
The private schools CREAM OFF many of the best pupils.
- 2Take money or divert funds, usually wrongfully or unfairly.
This means smaller banks can CREAM OFF excess profits during lending booms.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cream off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cream off is to separate the best or most talented people so that they can receive special or different treatment. It is often used in the context of education or employment.
What are the different verb forms of “cream off”?
| Root Verb | cream off |
| Third Person Singular Present | creams off |
| Present Participle | creaming off |
| Simple Past | creamed off |
| Past Participle | creamed off |
Example
The company tries to cream off the best employees from their competitors.
Example
The prestigious university creams off the top students from high schools.
Example
The sports team is creaming off the most talented players from other teams.
Example
The elite school creamed off the brightest students in the region.
Example
The best candidates have already been creamed off by other companies.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cream 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
“cream 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 private schools cream off many of the best pupils.
Example
This means smaller banks can cream off excess profits during lending booms.
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
“cream 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 private schools cream off many of the best pupils.
Example
This means smaller banks can cream off excess profits during lending booms.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cream off”?
Good things to know
Does “cream off” have an informal or formal tone?
Cream off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in some cases, it may be more appropriate to use a synonym like 'select' or 'separate' in formal writing.
