What are the definitions of “hack off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Annoy.
He HACKS me OFF with his endless complaining.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hack off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hack off is to annoy or irritate someone. For example, it can mean being bothered by someone's constant complaining or negative attitude.
What are the different verb forms of “hack off”?
| Root Verb | hack off |
| Third Person Singular Present | hacks off |
| Present Participle | hacking off |
| Simple Past | hacked off |
| Past Participle | hacked off |
Example
His constant whining hacks me off.
Example
She hacks off her friends with her constant gossiping.
Example
He is hacking off everyone with his loud music.
Example
Yesterday, her rude behavior hacked off the entire group.
Example
The neighbors were hacked off by the loud party.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hack 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
“hack 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
His constant complaining hacks me off.
Example
Her negative attitude hacks off her coworkers.
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
“hack 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
His constant complaining hacks me off.
Example
Her negative attitude hacks off her coworkers.
Good things to know
Does “hack off” have an informal or formal tone?
Hack off is considered an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or professional writing. Instead, more formal synonyms such as 'annoy' or 'irritate' can be used.
