What are the definitions of “mouth off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Speak angrily about something.
I always get angry and start MOUTHING OFF when the news is on TV.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mouth off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mouth off is to speak angrily or complain about something, often in a loud or rude manner.
What are the different verb forms of “mouth off”?
| Root Verb | mouth off |
| Third Person Singular Present | mouths off |
| Present Participle | mouthing off |
| Simple Past | mouthed off |
| Past Participle | mouthed off |
Example
He tends to mouth off when he's upset about something.
Example
She mouths off whenever she hears something she disagrees with.
Example
He is mouthing off about the new policy at work.
Example
Yesterday, she mouthed off about the traffic in the city.
Example
He had mouthed off about the unfair treatment he received.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mouth 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
“mouth 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
She mouthed off about the new rules.
Example
He mouthed off when he heard the news.
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
“mouth 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 mouthed off about the new rules.
Example
He mouthed off when he heard the news.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mouth off”?
Good things to know
Does “mouth off” have an informal or formal tone?
Mouth off is an informal phrasal verb and is not suitable for formal settings or writing. It is commonly used in casual conversations and everyday speech.
