What are the definitions of “leave off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To stop doing something or to stop using something.
"" You promised me that if I let you leave off the strapping you would not use that arm.
- 2To omit or not include something.
We're having pie and chips for tea tonight so I'll just eat the meat and the chips and leave off the pastry.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “leave off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb leave off is to stop doing something or to stop using something. It can be used when someone wants to stop an activity or when they want to stop using a particular item.
What are the different verb forms of “leave off”?
| Root Verb | leave off |
| Third Person Singular Present | leaves off |
| Present Participle | leaving off |
| Simple Past | left off |
| Past Participle | left off |
Example
I decided to leave off watching TV and go for a walk instead.
Example
She leaves off work at 5 pm every day.
Example
He is leaving off his bad habits to improve his health.
Example
Yesterday, they left off the project halfway through.
Example
The work was left off unfinished due to lack of time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “leave 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
“leave 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
She left off reading the book.
Example
He left the project off halfway through.
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
“leave 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
She left off reading the book.
Example
He left the project off halfway through.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “leave off”?
Good things to know
Does “leave off” have an informal or formal tone?
Leave off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'stop,' 'cease,' or 'discontinue' may be more appropriate.
