What are the definitions of “tail off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become silent or inaudible.
The voices TAILED OFF when she entered.
- 2Decrease.
Profits TAILED OFF sharply in the last quarter of the year as a result of the increase in the price of oil.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tail off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tail off is to gradually decrease in intensity, volume, or strength. It can refer to sounds becoming quieter or inaudible, or to a decrease in numbers or amounts, such as profits or sales.
What are the different verb forms of “tail off”?
| Root Verb | tail off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tails off |
| Present Participle | tailing off |
| Simple Past | tailed off |
| Past Participle | tailed off |
Example
The music tailed off as the party ended.
Example
Her voice tails off when she gets nervous.
Example
The rain is tailing off, so we can go outside soon.
Example
The conversation tailed off when he entered the room.
Example
The applause had tailed off before the speaker continued.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tail 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
“tail 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
The sound of the car tailed off as it drove away.
Example
The laughter tailed off when the teacher entered the room.
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
“tail 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 sound of the car tailed off as it drove away.
Example
The laughter tailed off when the teacher entered the room.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tail off”?
Good things to know
Does “tail off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tail 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, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
