What are the definitions of “hit it off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have a good relationship from the first time you meet a person.
We HIT IT OFF immediately and became firm friends.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hit it off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hit it off is to have a good relationship with someone from the first time you meet them. It often implies that two people quickly become friends or get along well together.
What are the different verb forms of “hit it off”?
| Root Verb | hit it off |
| Third Person Singular Present | hits it off |
| Present Participle | hitting it off |
| Simple Past | hit it off |
| Past Participle | hit it off |
Example
I hit it off with my new coworker right away.
Example
She hits it off with everyone she meets.
Example
They seem to be hitting it off at the party.
Example
We hit it off the first time we met.
Example
They had hit it off since their first encounter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hit 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
“hit 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
We hit it off immediately and became firm friends.
Example
I hope they hit it off at the party.
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
“hit 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
We hit it off immediately and became firm friends.
Example
I hope they hit it off at the party.
Good things to know
Does “hit it off” have an informal or formal tone?
Hit it off is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, you might use phrases like 'get along well' or 'establish a good rapport' in more formal contexts.
