What are the definitions of “tear off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove part of a form or letter using your hands, not scissors.
She TORE the slip OFF the bottom of the form and sent it with her cheque.
- 2Leave at high speed.
The police TORE OFF in their car after arresting her.
- 3Remove with force.
The storm TORE the roof OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tear off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tear off is to remove a part of something, like paper or cloth, using your hands and not scissors. It often involves ripping or separating the material with force.
What are the different verb forms of “tear off”?
| Root Verb | tear off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tears off |
| Present Participle | tearing off |
| Simple Past | tore off |
| Past Participle | torn off |
Example
She tore off a piece of paper to write a note.
Example
He tears off a page from the calendar every day.
Example
She is tearing off the wrapping paper from the gift.
Example
He tore off the price tag before giving the present.
Example
The coupon had been torn off from the magazine.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tear 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
“tear 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 tore off a piece of paper.
Example
He tore the tag off the shirt.
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
“tear 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 tore off a piece of paper.
Example
He tore the tag off the shirt.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tear off”?
Good things to know
Does “tear off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tear off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases like 'remove' or 'detach' may be more appropriate.
