What are the definitions of “have it off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have sex.
They HAD IT OFF after the party.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “have it off”?
The phrasal verb have it off is a British English slang term that means to engage in sexual activity. It is often used to refer to two people having sex. For example, 'After their date, they decided to have it off.'
What are the different verb forms of “have it off”?
| Root Verb | have it off |
| Third Person Singular Present | has it off |
| Present Participle | having it off |
| Simple Past | had it off |
| Past Participle | had it off |
Example
They decided to have it off after their date.
Example
She has it off with her boyfriend when they are alone.
Example
They were having it off when we walked in on them.
Example
They had it off after the party.
Example
They had it off before we arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “have it 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
“have it 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
They had it off in the back of the car.
Example
She had it off with him last night.
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
“have it 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
They had it off in the back of the car.
Example
She had it off with him last night.
Good things to know
Does “have it off” have an informal or formal tone?
Have it off is a very informal phrase and is considered slang. It is not appropriate to use in formal or professional settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends or in certain types of media, such as movies or TV shows. For example, 'They had it off after the party.'
