What are the definitions of “give off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Emit pollution or something else unpleasant.
The police stopped the van because it was GIVING OFF a lot of black smoke.
- 2Behave in a way that makes people think of you in a certain way.
She GIVES OFF an air of nobility.
- 3Expand.
The company is GIVING OFF all over the country.
- 4Follow or take one of 2 or more branches ( instructions, in machine code ) in writing a computer program ( using system software for a programming language ).
code can be GIVEN OFF while requiring A particular application of a processing minimal run - time support.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give off is to emit or release something, often a smell, light, heat, or sound. For example, a flower might give off a sweet smell, or a lamp might give off light.
What are the different verb forms of “give off”?
| Root Verb | give off |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives off |
| Present Participle | giving off |
| Simple Past | gave off |
| Past Participle | given off |
Example
The flowers give off a sweet smell in the spring.
Example
The lamp gives off a soft, warm light.
Example
The fire is giving off a lot of heat.
Example
The old car gave off a lot of smoke.
Example
The food had given off a bad smell.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give 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
“give 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
The flowers give off a sweet smell.
Example
The lamp gives off a soft, warm light.
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
“give 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 flowers give off a sweet smell.
Example
The lamp gives off a soft, warm light.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give off”?
Give off an impression
To make people think of you in a certain way through your behavior or appearance.
Example
She gives off an impression of confidence.
Good things to know
Does “give off” have an informal or formal tone?
Give off is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a scientific context, such as discussing how a light bulb gives off light, it can be quite formal. In a casual conversation, such as talking about how someone gives off a certain vibe, it is informal.
