What are the definitions of “push off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To leave or go away.
And then told to push off, keep my nose clean, leave it to them.
- 2To leave or depart.
I’ll wait ten minutes more; then I’ll push off for home.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “push off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb push off is to leave or go away from a place. It is often used when someone wants to depart or when someone is asked to leave a place.
What are the different verb forms of “push off”?
| Root Verb | push off |
| Third Person Singular Present | pushes off |
| Present Participle | pushing off |
| Simple Past | pushed off |
| Past Participle | pushed off |
Example
It's getting late, so I should push off now.
Example
She pushes off from work at 5 pm every day.
Example
He is pushing off from the party early to catch his flight.
Example
They pushed off from the meeting as soon as it ended.
Example
He had pushed off before I could say goodbye.
What kind of phrasal verb is “push 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
“push 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
We pushed off from the dock and started our boat trip.
Example
She pushed off without saying goodbye.
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
“push 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
We pushed off from the dock and started our boat trip.
Example
She pushed off without saying goodbye.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “push off”?
Good things to know
Does “push off” have an informal or formal tone?
Push off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'depart' or 'leave'.
