What does the phrasal verb “live off” mean?

What are the definitions of “live off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Use money earned.

  They find it hard to LIVE OFF the money they make.

• 2. Be financially supported.

  He's 40 and he still LIVES OFF his parents.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “live off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb live off is to use money or resources earned or provided by someone else to support oneself. It can refer to using one's own income or relying on someone else's financial support.

What are the different verb forms of “live off”?

Root Verb	live off
Third Person Singular Present	lives off
Present Participle	living off
Simple Past	lived off
Past Participle	lived off

Example

Many young adults live off their parents while they attend college.

Example

She lives off her savings while looking for a new job.

Example

He is living off his inheritance after his parents passed away.

Example

They lived off the land, growing their own food and raising animals.

Example

He had lived off his parents until he found a stable job.

What kind of phrasal verb is “live off”?

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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

“live 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

They live off the money they make.

Example

He lives off his parents' financial support.

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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

“live 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 live off the money they make.

Example

He lives off his parents' financial support.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “live off”?

Live off the grid

To live without relying on public utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, and instead using alternative resources.

Example

They decided to live off the grid and built a self-sufficient home in the countryside.

Live off the land

To survive by growing one's own food, hunting, or fishing, rather than relying on buying food from stores.

Example

The family chose to live off the land, growing their own vegetables and raising chickens.

Live off the fat of the land

To enjoy a comfortable and prosperous lifestyle, often without having to work hard.

Example

After winning the lottery, they were able to live off the fat of the land and travel the world.

Good things to know

Does “live off” have an informal or formal tone?

Live off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be found in more formal writing, such as news articles or academic papers.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “live off”?

Synonyms

• depend on
• rely on
• subsist on
• survive on
• sustain oneself on

Antonyms

• support oneself
• be independent
• be self-sufficient
• provide for oneself