What are the definitions of “drive off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Drive away from a place.
She slammed the car door shut and DROVE OFF without saying a word.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drive off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drive off is to leave a place by driving a vehicle. It means to start driving and move away from a specific location. For example, it can be used when someone leaves a parking spot, a house, or any other place in a car.

What are the different verb forms of “drive off”?

Root Verb	drive off
Third Person Singular Present	drives off
Present Participle	driving off
Simple Past	drove off
Past Participle	driven off

Example

After saying goodbye, he drove off to his next destination.

Example

She drives off to work every morning at 7 am.

Example

He is driving off to the store to buy some groceries.

Example

Yesterday, they drove off to the beach for a day of fun.

Example

The car had driven off before I could get the license plate number.

What kind of phrasal verb is “drive 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

“drive 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

He drove off without looking back.

Example

She drove off in a hurry.

📝

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

“drive 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

He drove off without looking back.

Example

She drove off in a hurry.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drive off”?

Drive someone off

To force someone to leave a place, usually by being unwelcoming or hostile.

Example

His rude behavior drove off all his friends.

Drive off the road

To accidentally or intentionally leave the road while driving, often resulting in an accident or going off course.

Example

The heavy rain made it difficult to see, and she almost drove off the road.

Drive off with something

To leave a place in a vehicle while taking something or someone with you.

Example

The thieves drove off with the stolen goods in their van.

Good things to know

Does “drive off” have an informal or formal tone?

Drive off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as news reports or official documents, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “drive off”?

Synonyms

depart
leave
go away
set off
head off
hit the road

Antonyms

arrive
come
approach
enter
pull up
drive in