What are the definitions of “get off it”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1A way of expressing disbelief, or telling someone that they're wrong or have an incorrect opinion.
I knew he was lying so I told him to GET OFF IT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get off it”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get off it is to express disbelief or to tell someone that they are wrong or have an incorrect opinion. It is often used when someone is not agreeing with what another person is saying or doing.
What are the different verb forms of “get off it”?
| Root Verb | get off it |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets off it |
| Present Participle | getting off it |
| Simple Past | got off it |
| Past Participle | gotten off it |
Example
When she started blaming others for her mistake, I told her to get off it.
Example
Whenever he starts making excuses, she always tells him to get off it.
Example
He is always getting off it when we discuss his responsibilities.
Example
When she started complaining about the workload, he told her to get off it.
Example
He had gotten off it after I explained the situation to him.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get off it”?
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
“get off it” 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
When he started blaming the teacher for his low grades, I told him to get off it.
Example
She needs to get off it and accept that she was wrong.
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
“get off it” 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
When he started blaming the teacher for his low grades, I told him to get off it.
Example
She needs to get off it and accept that she was wrong.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get off it”?
Good things to know
Does “get off it” have an informal or formal tone?
Get off it is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in casual conversations and is not typically used in formal or professional settings. It is more appropriate to use in conversations with friends or family, rather than in a professional or formal context.