What are the definitions of “strike off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove someone's professional licence to practise.
The Medical Council STRUCK him OFF for malpractice.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “strike off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb strike off is to remove someone's professional license to practice. This usually happens when a professional, such as a doctor or lawyer, is found guilty of misconduct or malpractice.
What are the different verb forms of “strike off”?
| Root Verb | strike off |
| Third Person Singular Present | strikes off |
| Present Participle | striking off |
| Simple Past | struck off |
| Past Participle | struck off |
Example
The board decided to strike off the lawyer for unethical behavior.
Example
The regulatory body strikes off professionals who break the rules.
Example
The committee is striking off the doctor for malpractice.
Example
The Medical Council struck him off for malpractice.
Example
The dishonest accountant was struck off and can no longer practice.
What kind of phrasal verb is “strike 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
“strike 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
The Medical Council struck him off for malpractice.
Example
The board struck the lawyer off for unethical behavior.
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
“strike 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 Medical Council struck him off for malpractice.
Example
The board struck the lawyer off for unethical behavior.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “strike off”?
Good things to know
Does “strike off” have an informal or formal tone?
Strike off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In legal and professional settings, it is often used to describe the removal of a professional's license to practice. In everyday conversations, it can be used to describe removing items from a list or record.
