What are the definitions of “kill off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce or exterminate a population by hunting, pollution, development, etc..
There used to be a lot of wolves around here, but most of them have been KILLED OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kill off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kill off is to reduce or exterminate a population of living beings, such as animals or plants, through various means like hunting, pollution, or development. This can refer to the intentional or unintentional destruction of a species or group.
What are the different verb forms of “kill off”?
| Root Verb | kill off |
| Third Person Singular Present | kills off |
| Present Participle | killing off |
| Simple Past | killed off |
| Past Participle | killed off |
Example
The construction of the new highway will kill off many trees in the area.
Example
The pesticide kills off the pests but also harms the environment.
Example
Deforestation is killing off many species of animals and plants.
Example
The disease killed off a large number of the population.
Example
Many species have been killed off due to human activities.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kill 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
“kill 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 pollution killed off the fish in the river.
Example
The invasive species killed off the native plants.
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
“kill 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 pollution killed off the fish in the river.
Example
The invasive species killed off the native plants.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kill off”?
Kill off competition
Eliminate or weaken competitors in a business or market.
Example
The large corporation tried to kill off competition by lowering their prices.
Good things to know
Does “kill off” have an informal or formal tone?
Kill off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as scientific discussions or news reports.
