What are the definitions of “stay off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To not go to or be absent from work.
I daren’t stay off work.
- 2To remain at a lower weight or level.
Let’s make sure those pounds stay off.
- 3Avoid or refrain from.
The best advice is to stay off alcohol altogether.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stay off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stay off is to avoid or refrain from something. It can be used to talk about not using or consuming something, such as alcohol, drugs, or unhealthy foods.
What are the different verb forms of “stay off”?
| Root Verb | stay off |
| Third Person Singular Present | stays off |
| Present Participle | staying off |
| Simple Past | stayed off |
| Past Participle | stayed off |
Example
I decided to stay off social media for a week.
Example
She stays off caffeine to avoid feeling jittery.
Example
He is staying off sugar to lose weight.
Example
They stayed off the roads during the snowstorm.
Example
She has stayed off alcohol for a year now.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stay 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
“stay 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
I stayed off work due to illness.
Example
He stayed off the grass as the sign instructed.
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
“stay 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
I stayed off work due to illness.
Example
He stayed off the grass as the sign instructed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stay off”?
Good things to know
Does “stay off” have an informal or formal tone?
Stay 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, depending on the specific context.
