What are the definitions of “tee off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Start or launch an event.
The new project will TEE OFF next month.
- 2Place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it at the start of a hole..
He TEED OFF at the first hole.
- 3Annoy someone.
It TEES me OFF when they turn up late.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tee off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tee off is to place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it at the start of a hole. It is often used in the context of playing golf.
What are the different verb forms of “tee off”?
| Root Verb | tee off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tees off |
| Present Participle | teeing off |
| Simple Past | teed off |
| Past Participle | teed off |
Example
He always tees off at the first hole.
Example
She tees off at the golf course every weekend.
Example
They are teeing off at the charity golf tournament.
Example
Yesterday, he teed off at the local golf club.
Example
She had teed off before the rain started.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tee 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
“tee 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 golfers teed off early in the morning.
Example
He teed off at the first hole.
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
“tee 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 golfers teed off early in the morning.
Example
He teed off at the first hole.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tee off”?
Good things to know
Does “tee off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tee off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. In the context of golf, it is a common term used by golfers and can be used in any situation. When used to mean 'annoy someone' or 'criticize someone,' it is more informal and may not be suitable for formal settings.
