What are the definitions of “run off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make photocopies.
RUN OFF two hundred copies Could you of this report, please.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run off is to make photocopies of a document. For example, it can mean making multiple copies of a report, a flyer, or any other printed material.
What are the different verb forms of “run off”?
| Root Verb | run off |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs off |
| Present Participle | running off |
| Simple Past | ran off |
| Past Participle | run off |
Example
Please run off fifty copies of the flyer for the event.
Example
She runs off the meeting agenda every week.
Example
He is running off the invitations for the party.
Example
Yesterday, they ran off all the necessary documents for the presentation.
Example
The copies have been run off and are ready for distribution.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run 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
“run 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 ran off twenty copies of the report.
Example
He ran the report off for the meeting.
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
“run 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 ran off twenty copies of the report.
Example
He ran the report off for the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run off”?
Good things to know
Does “run off” have an informal or formal tone?
Run off is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For instance, when discussing office tasks, such as running off copies of a document, it can be appropriate in a professional environment.
