What are the definitions of “read off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Read a list aloud for someone to write down.
I READ OFF the figures and she wrote them down in her notebook.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “read off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb read off is to read a list or series of items aloud, usually for someone else to write down or record. This can be used in various situations, such as reading out numbers, names, or other information.
What are the different verb forms of “read off”?
| Root Verb | read off |
| Third Person Singular Present | reads off |
| Present Participle | reading off |
| Simple Past | read off |
| Past Participle | read off |
Example
He read off the names of the winners from the list.
Example
She reads off the grocery list while her husband shops.
Example
The teacher is reading off the students' grades for the semester.
Example
Yesterday, he read off the lottery numbers on TV.
Example
The names of the nominees have been read off by the host.
What kind of phrasal verb is “read 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
“read 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 read off the names of the attendees.
Example
He read the numbers off to me.
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
“read 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 read off the names of the attendees.
Example
He read the numbers off to me.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “read off”?
To read aloud from a device that displays text for a speaker to read, often used in television broadcasts or speeches.
Example
The news anchor read off the teleprompter during the live broadcast.
Good things to know
Does “read off” have an informal or formal tone?
Read off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as presentations, meetings, or speeches.
