What are the definitions of “rip off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Charge excessively or obtain money unfairly.
Tourists get RIPPED OFF a lot when they don't speak the language.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rip off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rip off is to charge someone too much money for something or to take money from someone unfairly. This often happens when someone takes advantage of another person's lack of knowledge or vulnerability.
What are the different verb forms of “rip off”?
| Root Verb | rip off |
| Third Person Singular Present | rips off |
| Present Participle | ripping off |
| Simple Past | ripped off |
| Past Participle | ripped off |
Example
Some stores try to rip off customers by charging high prices.
Example
He rips off tourists by selling fake souvenirs.
Example
The dishonest salesman is ripping off unsuspecting buyers.
Example
I felt like I was ripped off when I bought that overpriced shirt.
Example
She was ripped off by the taxi driver who charged her double the normal fare.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rip 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
“rip 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
The store ripped me off with their high prices.
Example
He ripped off the tourists by selling them fake products.
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
“rip 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
The store ripped me off with their high prices.
Example
He ripped off the tourists by selling them fake products.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rip off”?
Rip-off
A noun referring to something that is overpriced or a scam.
Example
That store sells rip-offs of famous designer clothes.
Rip-off artist
A person who frequently cheats or deceives others for personal gain.
Example
Beware of rip-off artists when you're traveling in unfamiliar places.
Good things to know
Does “rip off” have an informal or formal tone?
Rip off is an informal phrasal verb, commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal terms like 'overcharge' or 'defraud' can be used.
