What are the definitions of “face off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confront.
The company FACED OFF the competition.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “face off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb face off is to confront or compete against someone or something, usually in a direct and intense manner. It often refers to a competition or a challenge between two parties.
What are the different verb forms of “face off”?
| Root Verb | face off |
| Third Person Singular Present | faces off |
| Present Participle | facing off |
| Simple Past | faced off |
| Past Participle | faced off |
Example
The two teams will face off in the championship game.
Example
She faces off against her rival in the final round.
Example
The candidates are facing off in a heated debate.
Example
The two companies faced off in a bidding war for the contract.
Example
The athletes had faced off many times before in previous competitions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “face 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
“face 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 two teams faced off in the championship game.
Example
The candidates faced off in a heated debate.
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
“face 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 two teams faced off in the championship game.
Example
The candidates faced off in a heated debate.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “face off”?
Face-off (noun)
A confrontation or competition between two parties, often used in sports.
Example
The hockey game began with a face-off at center ice.
Good things to know
Does “face off” have an informal or formal tone?
Face off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports or professional discussions about competitions or confrontations.
