What are the definitions of “make off with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Steal.
Thieves MADE OFF WITH over a million dollars in the robbery.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make off with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make off with is to steal something, usually in a quick or secretive manner. It often implies that the thief successfully escapes with the stolen goods.
What are the different verb forms of “make off with”?
| Root Verb | make off with |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes off with |
| Present Participle | making off with |
| Simple Past | made off with |
| Past Participle | made off with |
Example
The burglar made off with the family's valuable jewelry.
Example
He makes off with the stolen money before the police arrive.
Example
The thief is making off with the expensive painting.
Example
The criminals made off with the cash from the register.
Example
The robbers had made off with the priceless artifacts.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make off with”?
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
“make off with” 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 thief made off with the purse.
Example
They made off with the stolen goods.
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 with” 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 thief made off with the purse.
Example
They made off with the stolen goods.
Good things to know
Does “make off with” have an informal or formal tone?
Make off with is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal contexts, it is better to use synonyms such as 'steal' or 'abscond with'.
