What are the definitions of “fob off on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make or persuade someone to accept something you don't want.
I FOBBED the work ON the others.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fob off on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fob off on is to make or persuade someone to accept something that you don't want. It often involves passing responsibility or an unwanted task to someone else.
What are the different verb forms of “fob off on”?
| Root Verb | fob off on |
| Third Person Singular Present | fobs off on |
| Present Participle | fobbing off on |
| Simple Past | fobbed off on |
| Past Participle | fobbed off on |
Example
She tried to fob off the chores on her younger brother.
Example
He always fobs off his responsibilities on his coworkers.
Example
She is fobbing off her unwanted tasks on her assistant.
Example
He fobbed off the difficult project on his colleague.
Example
The unwanted task was fobbed off on the new employee.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fob off on”?
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
“fob off on” 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 fobbed off the chores on her younger brother.
Example
He fobbed off the difficult project on his colleague.
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
“fob off on” 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 fobbed off the chores on her younger brother.
Example
He fobbed off the difficult project on his colleague.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fob off on”?
Good things to know
Does “fob off on” have an informal or formal tone?
Fob off on is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing. Instead, more formal alternatives such as 'delegate' or 'transfer' can be used.