What does the phrasal verb “skive off” mean?

What are the definitions of “skive off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Avoid doing work or other duty.

  I pretended I was ill and SKIVED OFF on Monday.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb skive off is to avoid doing work or other duties, often by pretending to be sick or finding an excuse. It is usually used in informal situations.

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

Root Verb	skive off
Third Person Singular Present	skives off
Present Participle	skiving off
Simple Past	skived off
Past Participle	skived off

Example

He always tries to skive off work on Fridays.

Example

She skives off whenever there's a big project due.

Example

He is skiving off work today by pretending to have a doctor's appointment.

Example

Yesterday, they skived off school to go to the beach.

Example

He had skived off work so many times that his boss finally noticed.

What kind of phrasal verb is “skive 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.)

Intransitive verb

“skive off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She skived off when the boss wasn't looking.

Example

He skived off during the meeting.

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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

“skive 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 skived off when the boss wasn't looking.

Example

He skived off during the meeting.

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

Skive off school

To avoid attending school, usually by pretending to be sick or finding an excuse.

Example

He skived off school to play video games all day.

Skive off work

To avoid doing work or attending work, often by pretending to be sick or finding an excuse.

Example

She skived off work to go shopping with her friends.

Skive off responsibilities

To avoid fulfilling one's responsibilities or duties.

Example

He always skives off his responsibilities at home, leaving his partner to do all the chores.

Good things to know

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

Skive off is an informal phrasal verb and is not suitable for formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially among friends or in casual settings. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as 'avoid' or 'shirk'.

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

Synonyms

• avoid
• shirk
• dodge
• evade
• shun
• sidestep
• elude

Antonyms for {keyword}

• attend
• fulfill
• face
• confront
• tackle
• undertake
• embrace