What are the definitions of “goof off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Avoid or leave work.
We GOOFED OFF for the afternoon to watch the match.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “goof off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb goof off is to avoid work or responsibilities, often by engaging in leisure activities instead. It suggests a lack of seriousness or a preference for fun over duty.
What are the different verb forms of “goof off”?
| Root Verb | goof off |
| Third Person Singular Present | goofs off |
| Present Participle | goofing off |
| Simple Past | goofed off |
| Past Participle | goofed off |
Example
When the teacher is not around, students often goof off.
Example
He always goofs off when he should be studying.
Example
She is goofing off instead of doing her homework.
Example
Yesterday, they goofed off instead of cleaning the house.
Example
The work was not completed because they had goofed off.
What kind of phrasal verb is “goof 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
“goof 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
He goofed off all day and didn't get any work done.
Example
They goofed off during the meeting.
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
“goof 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
He goofed off all day and didn't get any work done.
Example
They goofed off during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “goof off”?
Good things to know
Does “goof off” have an informal or formal tone?
Goof off is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in casual conversations and is not typically used in formal or professional settings. For example, it would be inappropriate to use goof off in a formal report or academic paper.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “goof off”?
Synonyms
- shirk
- loaf
- dawdle
- procrastinate
- slack off
- laze around
- waste time
Antonyms
- concentrate
- focus
- strive
- persist
- persevere
- work hard
- apply oneself
