What are the definitions of “run off with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To steal or take something quickly and escape
A man in the street approached her and ran off with her bag.
- 2To leave with someone or something, especially in a secretive or unauthorized way.
They said Phil had run off with his wife’s best friend.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run off with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run off with is to steal something quickly and escape, or to leave with someone or something in a secretive or unauthorized way. It often implies a sudden or unexpected action.
What are the different verb forms of “run off with”?
| Root Verb | run off with |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs off with |
| Present Participle | running off with |
| Simple Past | ran off with |
| Past Participle | run off with |
Example
The thief ran off with her purse.
Example
He runs off with the stolen goods.
Example
She is running off with the secret documents.
Example
They ran off with the money from the fundraiser.
Example
The dog had run off with the neighbor's newspaper.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run off with”?
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 with” 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 thief ran off with her purse.
Example
He ran off with the stolen goods.
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 with” 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 thief ran off with her purse.
Example
He ran off with the stolen goods.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run off with”?
Good things to know
Does “run off with” have an informal or formal tone?
Run off with is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in most cases, run off with is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
