What are the definitions of “peel off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a group by moving in a different direction.
When the police blocked the road, a few protesters PEELED OFF and left the march.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “peel off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb peel off is to leave a group by moving in a different direction. It is often used to describe someone separating from a group or formation, such as a march, a race, or a convoy.
What are the different verb forms of “peel off”?
| Root Verb | peel off |
| Third Person Singular Present | peels off |
| Present Participle | peeling off |
| Simple Past | peeled off |
| Past Participle | peeled off |
Example
A few cars peeled off from the convoy to take a different route.
Example
He peels off from the group to explore the area on his own.
Example
The runners are peeling off one by one as they reach their desired pace.
Example
She peeled off from the crowd to find a quiet place to rest.
Example
The stickers had peeled off the wall over time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “peel 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
“peel 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 airplane peeled off to the left.
Example
A few protesters peeled off when the police blocked the road.
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
“peel 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 airplane peeled off to the left.
Example
A few protesters peeled off when the police blocked the road.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “peel off”?
Good things to know
Does “peel off” have an informal or formal tone?
Peel off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
