What are the definitions of “rub off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To influence or affect someone or something
Hopefully her enthusiasm will rub off on the rest of the team.
- 2To transfer or influence something onto someone else.
"Some of it should rub off on your mother," he said with surprising bitterness.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub off is to influence or affect someone or something. It is often used to describe how one person's qualities, behaviors, or emotions can have an impact on others around them.
What are the different verb forms of “rub off”?
| Root Verb | rub off |
| Third Person Singular Present | rubs off |
| Present Participle | rubbing off |
| Simple Past | rubbed off |
| Past Participle | rubbed off |
Example
His positive attitude rubbed off on the entire team.
Example
Her kindness rubs off on everyone she meets.
Example
His hard work is rubbing off on his younger siblings.
Example
Her enthusiasm rubbed off on the rest of the team.
Example
His dedication to the project rubbed off on the other team members.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rub 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
“rub 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
His optimism rubbed off on the people around him.
Example
Her love for reading rubbed off on her children.
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
“rub 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
His optimism rubbed off on the people around him.
Example
Her love for reading rubbed off on her children.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rub off”?
Good things to know
Does “rub off” have an informal or formal tone?
Rub off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
