What are the definitions of “polish off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Finish, consume.
She POLISHES OFF half a bottle of gin every night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “polish off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb polish off is to finish or consume something completely, often quickly or easily. It is usually used to describe eating or drinking something.
What are the different verb forms of “polish off”?
| Root Verb | polish off |
| Third Person Singular Present | polishes off |
| Present Participle | polishing off |
| Simple Past | polished off |
| Past Participle | polished off |
Example
He can polish off a whole pizza by himself.
Example
She polishes off her lunch in just a few minutes.
Example
They are polishing off the last of the birthday cake.
Example
We polished off the entire plate of cookies.
Example
The food was so delicious that it was polished off quickly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “polish 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.)
Transitive verb
“polish off” 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
He polished off the entire pizza.
Example
She polished off her drink quickly.
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
“polish 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
He polished off the entire pizza.
Example
She polished off her drink quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “polish off”?
Good things to know
Does “polish off” have an informal or formal tone?
Polish off is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
