What are the definitions of “stop off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break a journey.
We STOPPED OFF for lunch about halfway there, then carried on driving.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stop off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stop off is to take a short break during a journey, usually to rest, eat, or visit a place. For example, it can mean stopping at a restaurant for a meal or visiting a tourist attraction while traveling.
What are the different verb forms of “stop off”?
| Root Verb | stop off |
| Third Person Singular Present | stops off |
| Present Participle | stopping off |
| Simple Past | stopped off |
| Past Participle | stopped off |
Example
We stopped off at a small café for a quick snack.
Example
She stops off at the park every day on her way home from work.
Example
They are stopping off at a museum during their road trip.
Example
Yesterday, we stopped off at a rest area to stretch our legs.
Example
We had stopped off at a gas station to refuel before continuing our journey.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stop 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
“stop 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
We stopped off at a scenic viewpoint.
Example
They stopped off for a coffee break.
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
“stop 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
We stopped off at a scenic viewpoint.
Example
They stopped off for a coffee break.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stop off”?
Good things to know
Does “stop off” have an informal or formal tone?
Stop off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in travel itineraries or business trips.
