What are the definitions of “dash off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave somewhere quickly.
It's late- I'm going to DASH OFF home.
- 2Do something quickly, especially writing.
He DASHED OFF the report in a couple of hours.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dash off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dash off is to do something quickly, especially when writing or leaving a place. It can be used to describe finishing a task quickly or departing from a location in a hurry.
What are the different verb forms of “dash off”?
| Root Verb | dash off |
| Third Person Singular Present | dashes off |
| Present Participle | dashing off |
| Simple Past | dashed off |
| Past Participle | dashed off |
Example
I need to dash off a quick email before I leave.
Example
She dashes off to work every morning.
Example
He is dashing off a letter to his friend.
Example
Yesterday, they dashed off to the store before it closed.
Example
The note was dashed off in a hurry.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dash 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
“dash 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
I need to dash off; I'm late for my appointment.
Example
She dashed off the email in just a few minutes.
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
“dash 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
I need to dash off; I'm late for my appointment.
Example
She dashed off the email in just a few minutes.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dash off”?
Good things to know
Does “dash off” have an informal or formal tone?
Dash off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases, such as 'write quickly' or 'leave hurriedly'.
