What are the definitions of “tell off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Chide; talk angrily to someone about something they've done wrong..
His fiancée TOLD him OFF for arriving nearly an hour late.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tell off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tell off is to scold or criticize someone for something they have done wrong. It often involves speaking angrily or sternly to the person.
What are the different verb forms of “tell off”?
| Root Verb | tell off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tells off |
| Present Participle | telling off |
| Simple Past | told off |
| Past Participle | told off |
Example
She tells off her children when they misbehave.
Example
He tells off his employees for not following the rules.
Example
The teacher is telling off the students for not doing their homework.
Example
Yesterday, the coach told off the team for their poor performance.
Example
The employee was told off for being late to work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tell 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
“tell 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 mother told off her son for not cleaning his room.
Example
The boss told the employee off for not meeting the deadline.
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
“tell 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 mother told off her son for not cleaning his room.
Example
The boss told the employee off for not meeting the deadline.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tell off”?
Good things to know
Does “tell off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tell off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'reprimand,' 'scold,' or 'criticize.'
