What are the definitions of “slacken off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become less busy or intense.
Work SLACKENS OFF during the holiday period.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slacken off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slacken off is to become less busy or intense. It is often used to describe a decrease in the amount of work or activity in a particular situation.
What are the different verb forms of “slacken off”?
| Root Verb | slacken off |
| Third Person Singular Present | slackens off |
| Present Participle | slackening off |
| Simple Past | slackened off |
| Past Participle | slackened off |
Example
During the summer, the workload at the office tends to slacken off.
Example
The traffic slackens off after rush hour.
Example
The rain is slackening off, so we can go outside soon.
Example
The wind slackened off in the evening.
Example
The pace of the race slackened off as the runners got tired.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slacken 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.)
Intransitive verb
“slacken 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
The storm slackened off after a few hours.
Example
The workload slackened off as the deadline approached.
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
“slacken 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 storm slackened off after a few hours.
Example
The workload slackened off as the deadline approached.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slacken off”?
Good things to know
Does “slacken off” have an informal or formal tone?
Slacken off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a work environment or academic discussions.
