What does the phrasal verb “syphon off” mean?

What are the definitions of “syphon off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Take business, support or votes from someone.

  The candidate SYPHONED OFF a lot of votes because of his anti - war stance.

• 2. Divert money illegally.

  The minister had been SYPHONING OFF funds from his department for years.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “syphon off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb syphon off is to divert or take something, such as money, support, or votes, from someone or something else. It can be used to describe taking away resources or support from a person or organization.

What are the different verb forms of “syphon off”?

Root Verb	syphon off
Third Person Singular Present	syphons off
Present Participle	syphoning off
Simple Past	syphoned off
Past Participle	syphoned off

Example

The new store syphoned off customers from the older shops in the area.

Example

He syphons off a portion of his salary to save for a vacation.

Example

The company is syphoning off profits to avoid paying taxes.

Example

The politician syphoned off votes from his opponent by appealing to younger voters.

Example

The funds had been syphoned off into a secret account.

What kind of phrasal verb is “syphon 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

“syphon 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 new business syphoned off customers from the older shops.

Example

She syphoned off support from her rival during the campaign.

📝

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

“syphon 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 new business syphoned off customers from the older shops.

Example

She syphoned off support from her rival during the campaign.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “syphon off”?

Syphon off support

To take away support from someone or something, often in a political context.

Example

The opposition party syphoned off support from the ruling party by promising tax cuts.

Syphon off resources

To take away resources from a person, organization, or project.

Example

The new project syphoned off resources from other departments, causing delays.

Syphon off money

To divert money, often illegally or unethically, from a person or organization.

Example

The corrupt official syphoned off money from the government budget for personal gain.

Good things to know

Does “syphon off” have an informal or formal tone?

Syphon off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news articles or business reports.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “syphon off”?

Synonyms

• divert
• redirect
• channel
• drain
• siphon
• appropriate
• draw off
• take away

Antonyms

• contribute
• give
• donate
• support
• replenish
• restore
• return
• add