What are the definitions of “make off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave somewhere in a hurry.
They MADE OFF when they heard the police siren.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make off is to leave a place quickly, usually to avoid being caught or to escape from a situation. It is often used when someone is trying to get away from the police or from a dangerous situation.
What are the different verb forms of “make off”?
| Root Verb | make off |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes off |
| Present Participle | making off |
| Simple Past | made off |
| Past Participle | made off |
Example
The thieves made off with the stolen goods.
Example
He makes off as soon as he sees the security guard.
Example
The suspect was making off when the police arrived.
Example
They made off when they heard the police siren.
Example
The criminals had made off before the police could catch them.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make 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
“make 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 shoplifter made off when he saw the store manager.
Example
She made off as soon as she realized she was in danger.
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
“make 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 shoplifter made off when he saw the store manager.
Example
She made off as soon as she realized she was in danger.
Good things to know
Does “make off” have an informal or formal tone?
Make off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in most cases, make off is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
