What are the definitions of “shave off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Shave completely.
He has SHAVED OFF his moustache and looks much younger.
- 2Reduce by a small amount.
He SHAVED a few thousand OFF the budget for the year.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shave off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shave off is to shave something completely, usually referring to facial hair. It means to remove all the hair from a specific area, such as a beard or mustache, using a razor or other shaving tool.
What are the different verb forms of “shave off”?
| Root Verb | shave off |
| Third Person Singular Present | shaves off |
| Present Participle | shaving off |
| Simple Past | shaved off |
| Past Participle | shaved off |
Example
He decided to shave off his beard for a fresh look.
Example
She shaves off her legs before going to the beach.
Example
He is shaving off his mustache for the first time in years.
Example
Yesterday, she shaved off all her hair for charity.
Example
He had shaved off his beard before the job interview.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shave 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
“shave 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 shaved off her eyebrows.
Example
He shaved a few seconds off his best time.
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
“shave 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 shaved off her eyebrows.
Example
He shaved a few seconds off his best time.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shave off”?
Good things to know
Does “shave off” have an informal or formal tone?
Shave off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, such as business discussions or written reports, depending on the specific context.
