What are the definitions of “switch off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To stop paying attention or lose interest.
He just switches off and ignores me.
- 2To turn off.
Now stop agonising, stop thinking about wretched Desmond and switch off.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “switch off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb switch off is to turn off a device or appliance, such as a light or a machine. It means stopping the flow of electricity or power to the device. For example, you can switch off the lights when you leave a room or switch off the television when you finish watching a show.
What are the different verb forms of “switch off”?
| Root Verb | switch off |
| Third Person Singular Present | switches off |
| Present Participle | switching off |
| Simple Past | switched off |
| Past Participle | switched off |
Example
Please switch off the lights before you leave.
Example
She switches off her phone during meetings.
Example
He is switching off the computer before going to bed.
Example
Yesterday, they switched off the air conditioner to save energy.
Example
The machines were switched off during the power outage.
What kind of phrasal verb is “switch 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
“switch 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
She switched off the radio.
Example
He switched the television off before going to bed.
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
“switch 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 switched off the radio.
Example
He switched the television off before going to bed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “switch off”?
Good things to know
Does “switch off” have an informal or formal tone?
Switch 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 written instructions or technical documents.
