What are the definitions of “shrug off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Disregard something, not consider it important or harmful.
He SHRUGGED OFF the criticism and carried on the same way.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shrug off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shrug off is to disregard something or not consider it important or harmful. It often implies that someone is not affected by criticism, negative comments, or a difficult situation.
What are the different verb forms of “shrug off”?
| Root Verb | shrug off |
| Third Person Singular Present | shrugs off |
| Present Participle | shrugging off |
| Simple Past | shrugged off |
| Past Participle | shrugged off |
Example
She always shrugs off negative comments from others.
Example
He shrugs off the criticism and continues working.
Example
They are shrugging off the setbacks and moving forward.
Example
He shrugged off the bad news and focused on the positive.
Example
The team shrugged off their loss and prepared for the next game.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shrug 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
“shrug 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 shrugged off the negative comments.
Example
He shrugged the criticism off and continued working.
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
“shrug 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 shrugged off the negative comments.
Example
He shrugged the criticism off and continued working.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shrug off”?
To avoid or ignore one's responsibilities or duties.
Example
He always shrugs off responsibility and lets others do the work.
Good things to know
Does “shrug off” have an informal or formal tone?
Shrug 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 in a business meeting or a written report, depending on the specific context.
