What are the definitions of “damp off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When there is too much moisture and a plant is affected by fungal parasites.
The seedlings DAMP OFF in the spring if it's very wet.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “damp off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb damp off is when a plant is affected by fungal parasites due to excessive moisture. This usually happens to seedlings in wet conditions, causing them to die.
What are the different verb forms of “damp off”?
| Root Verb | damp off |
| Third Person Singular Present | damps off |
| Present Participle | damping off |
| Simple Past | damped off |
| Past Participle | damped off |
Example
The seedlings damp off if the soil is too wet.
Example
The plant damps off when there is too much moisture.
Example
The seedlings are damping off due to the excessive rain.
Example
The seedlings damped off after the heavy rainfall.
Example
The seedlings had damped off because of the wet conditions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “damp 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
“damp 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
The seedlings damped off in the wet soil.
Example
The plants damped off due to overwatering.
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
“damp 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 seedlings damped off in the wet soil.
Example
The plants damped off due to overwatering.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “damp off”?
Damping-off disease
A disease caused by various fungi that affects seedlings, causing them to rot and die.
Example
The gardener was worried about the damping-off disease affecting her seedlings.
Good things to know
Does “damp off” have an informal or formal tone?
Damp off is a neutral term used in the context of gardening and plant care. It is appropriate for both informal and formal settings, depending on the context. For example, it can be used in casual conversations among gardeners or in more formal discussions about plant diseases and care.
