What are the definitions of “put off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Postpone.
The concert's been PUT OFF until next month because the singer's got a throat infection.
- 2Stop liking something or somebody.
I was really PUT OFF by the way he eats with his mouth open.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put off is to postpone or delay something. It means to reschedule an event or action for a later time. For example, a meeting can be put off if someone is not available, or a trip can be put off due to bad weather.
What are the different verb forms of “put off”?
| Root Verb | put off |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts off |
| Present Participle | putting off |
| Simple Past | put off |
| Past Participle | put off |
Example
We need to put off the party because of the rain.
Example
She always puts off her homework until the last minute.
Example
He is putting off his dentist appointment again.
Example
They put off the meeting until next week.
Example
The concert was put off due to the singer's illness.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put 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
“put 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
She put off the trip because of the bad weather.
Example
He put the meeting off until next week.
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
“put 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 put off the trip because of the bad weather.
Example
He put the meeting off until next week.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put off”?
Good things to know
Does “put off” have an informal or formal tone?
Put off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business meetings or written communication, depending on the context.
