What are the definitions of “reel off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Quote statistics or facts rapidly.
The minister REELED OFF a load of figures to support her position.
- 2Score a lot of points or win a lot of games one after the other.
They REELED OFF five victories and became the champions.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “reel off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb reel off is to quickly list or say a series of things, such as facts, numbers, or names. It often implies that the speaker is knowledgeable or well-prepared on the subject.
What are the different verb forms of “reel off”?
| Root Verb | reel off |
| Third Person Singular Present | reels off |
| Present Participle | reeling off |
| Simple Past | reeled off |
| Past Participle | reeled off |
Example
She can reel off all the capitals of the world.
Example
He reels off the names of all the presidents in order.
Example
She is reeling off the ingredients needed for the recipe.
Example
He reeled off the entire list of guests who attended the party.
Example
The facts were reeled off during the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “reel 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
“reel 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 reeled off the names of all the countries in Europe.
Example
He reeled off the statistics to support his argument.
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
“reel 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 reeled off the names of all the countries in Europe.
Example
He reeled off the statistics to support his argument.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “reel off”?
Good things to know
Does “reel off” have an informal or formal tone?
Reel 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 such as presentations, speeches, or debates.
