What does the phrasal verb “sell off” mean?

What are the definitions of “sell off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Sell a business or part of it.

  They SOLD OFF their research subsidiary.

• 2. Sell something cheaply because you need the money or don't need it.

  She SOLD OFF her furniture before she emigrated.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sell off is to sell a business or part of it, often to raise money or because it is no longer needed. This can include selling a subsidiary, a division, or even an entire company.

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

Root Verb	sell off
Third Person Singular Present	sells off
Present Participle	selling off
Simple Past	sold off
Past Participle	sold off

Example

The company decided to sell off its manufacturing division.

Example

He sells off his investments when he needs cash.

Example

They are selling off their old equipment to make room for new machines.

Example

She sold off her shares in the company last year.

Example

The assets have been sold off to pay the company's debts.

What kind of phrasal verb is “sell 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

“sell 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 owner sold off the restaurant.

Example

They sold their old car off to buy a new one.

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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

“sell 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 owner sold off the restaurant.

Example

They sold their old car off to buy a new one.

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

Sell off assets

To sell valuable items, such as property or investments, often to raise money or pay off debts.

Example

The company had to sell off its assets to cover its financial losses.

Sell off stocks

To sell shares in a company, often to make a profit or minimize losses.

Example

Investors started to sell off their stocks when the market began to decline.

Sell off inventory

To sell products or goods at a reduced price, often to clear out old stock or make room for new items.

Example

The store is selling off its winter inventory to prepare for the spring collection.

Good things to know

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

Sell off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in business and financial settings, as well as in everyday conversations.

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

Synonyms

• divest
• unload
• dispose of
• liquidate
• sell out
• clear out
• get rid of

Antonyms for {keyword}

• buy
• acquire
• purchase
• retain
• keep
• invest in
• hold on to