What are the definitions of “dry off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dry something quickly, or dry the surface.
I had a shower and DRIED myself OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dry off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dry off is to remove moisture or wetness from the surface of something or someone, usually by using a towel or cloth. For example, it can mean drying your body after a shower or drying dishes after washing them.
What are the different verb forms of “dry off”?
| Root Verb | dry off |
| Third Person Singular Present | dries off |
| Present Participle | drying off |
| Simple Past | dried off |
| Past Participle | dried off |
Example
After swimming, she always dries off before getting dressed.
Example
He dries off his hands with a towel after washing them.
Example
She is drying off the dishes before putting them away.
Example
Yesterday, they dried off their clothes in the sun.
Example
The wet dog dried off by shaking its fur.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dry 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
“dry 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
She dried off her hair with a towel.
Example
He dried the dishes off after washing them.
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
“dry 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
She dried off her hair with a towel.
Example
He dried the dishes off after washing them.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dry off”?
Good things to know
Does “dry off” have an informal or formal tone?
Dry 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, depending on the specific context.
