What are the definitions of “pair off with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Form a pair with someone.
I PAIRED OFF WITH Trish for the test.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pair off with is to form a pair or partnership with someone, usually for a specific purpose or activity. This can be for a school project, a game, or any other situation where people need to work together in pairs.

What are the different verb forms of “pair off with”?

Root Verb	pair off with
Third Person Singular Present	pairs off with
Present Participle	pairing off with
Simple Past	paired off with
Past Participle	paired off with

Example

I pair off with my friend for the dance competition.

Example

She pairs off with her classmate for the science project.

Example

He is pairing off with his coworker for the presentation.

Example

Yesterday, they paired off with their partners for the group activity.

Example

The students were paired off with their buddies for the field trip.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pair off with”?

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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

“pair 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

I paired off with my friend for the project.

Example

She paired off with her partner for the dance.

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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

“pair 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

I paired off with my friend for the project.

Example

She paired off with her partner for the dance.

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

Pair off

To form pairs or groups of two people.

Example

The teacher asked the students to pair off for the group activity.

Pair up with

Another way to say 'pair off with', meaning to form a pair with someone.

Example

I paired up with my classmate for the assignment.

Good things to know

Does “pair off with” have an informal or formal tone?

Pair off with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal situations, such as in a professional or academic context.

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

Synonyms

partner with
team up with
join forces with
collaborate with
work together with
unite with

Antonyms

separate from
divide from
detach from
disassociate from
split from
break away from