What are the definitions of “lift off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave the ground- rocket or spaceship.
5-4-3-2-1- we have LIFT - OFF!
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lift off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lift off is when a rocket or spaceship leaves the ground and starts its journey into space. It is often used to describe the moment when a spacecraft begins its ascent.
What are the different verb forms of “lift off”?
| Root Verb | lift off |
| Third Person Singular Present | lifts off |
| Present Participle | lifting off |
| Simple Past | lifted off |
| Past Participle | lifted off |
Example
The rocket is scheduled to lift off at 9:00 AM.
Example
The spaceship lifts off from the launch pad.
Example
The rocket is lifting off and heading into space.
Example
The spacecraft lifted off successfully yesterday.
Example
The rocket had lifted off before we arrived at the viewing area.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lift 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
“lift 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
The rocket lifted off on time.
Example
The spaceship lifted off smoothly.
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
“lift 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 rocket lifted off on time.
Example
The spaceship lifted off smoothly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lift off”?
Lift-off
The moment when a rocket or spacecraft leaves the ground and begins its ascent.
Example
The crowd cheered as they witnessed the historic lift-off of the first manned mission to Mars.
Lift-off time
The scheduled time for a rocket or spacecraft to leave the ground.
Example
The lift-off time for the next space shuttle launch is 6:30 PM.
Lift-off delay
A postponement of a rocket or spacecraft's scheduled departure from the ground.
Example
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, there was a lift-off delay of two hours.
Good things to know
Does “lift off” have an informal or formal tone?
Lift off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, scientific discussions, and everyday conversations about space travel.
