What are the definitions of “tick off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Annoy.
She really TICKS me OFF when she doesn't reply to my emails.
- 2Scold.
He TICKED me OFF for arriving late.
- 3Put a mark on an item in a list when it has been dealt with.
She TICKED OFF our names when we arrived.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tick off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tick off is to put a mark on an item in a list when it has been dealt with. For example, it can mean marking a task as completed on a to-do list, checking off items on a shopping list, or marking attendance on a roster.
What are the different verb forms of “tick off”?
| Root Verb | tick off |
| Third Person Singular Present | ticks off |
| Present Participle | ticking off |
| Simple Past | ticked off |
| Past Participle | ticked off |
Example
I always tick off the tasks on my to-do list after completing them.
Example
She ticks off the items on her shopping list as she buys them.
Example
He is ticking off the names of the attendees as they arrive.
Example
Yesterday, they ticked off all the completed tasks on the project list.
Example
The items on the checklist were ticked off one by one.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tick 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
“tick 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 ticked off the items on her shopping list.
Example
He ticked the names off as people arrived.
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
“tick 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 ticked off the items on her shopping list.
Example
He ticked the names off as people arrived.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tick off”?
Good things to know
Does “tick off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tick off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'mark as complete' or 'check off' may be more appropriate.
