What does the phrasal verb “saw off” mean?

What are the definitions of “saw off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To remove something by cutting it with a saw.

  He SAWED OFF the legs of the chair.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “saw off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb saw off is to remove something by cutting it with a saw. This action is typically used when cutting wood, metal, or other materials.

What are the different verb forms of “saw off”?

Root Verb	saw off
Third Person Singular Present	saws off
Present Participle	sawing off
Simple Past	sawed off
Past Participle	sawed off

Example

He needs to saw off the extra piece of wood.

Example

She saws off the damaged part of the pipe.

Example

He is sawing off the branches that are too close to the house.

Example

Yesterday, they sawed off the old fence posts.

Example

The broken table leg was sawed off and replaced with a new one.

What kind of phrasal verb is “saw off”?

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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

“saw 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

He sawed off the extra piece of wood.

Example

She sawed the damaged part off the pipe.

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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

“saw 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

He sawed off the extra piece of wood.

Example

She sawed the damaged part off the pipe.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “saw off”?

Saw off a tree branch

To remove a tree branch by cutting it with a saw.

Example

The gardener sawed off the dead tree branches to keep the tree healthy.

Saw off a piece of wood

To cut a piece of wood to a specific size or shape.

Example

He sawed off a piece of wood to use as a support for the shelf.

Saw off a metal pipe

To cut a metal pipe to a specific length or remove a damaged section.

Example

The plumber sawed off the rusted section of the pipe and replaced it with a new one.

Good things to know

Does “saw off” have an informal or formal tone?

Saw off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing construction, woodworking, or other tasks that involve cutting materials with a saw.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “saw off”?

Synonyms

• remove
• sever
• detach
• trim
• cut off
• amputate

Antonyms

• attach
• join
• assemble
• combine
• affix
• connect