What are the definitions of “tip off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Secretly inform the police or authorities.
The police arrested the drug dealer after someone TIPPED them OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tip off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tip off is to secretly inform the police or authorities about something, usually illegal activities or wrongdoings. It is often used when someone provides information that leads to an arrest or investigation.
What are the different verb forms of “tip off”?
| Root Verb | tip off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tips off |
| Present Participle | tipping off |
| Simple Past | tipped off |
| Past Participle | tipped off |
Example
An anonymous caller tipped off the police about the illegal gambling operation.
Example
She tips off the authorities whenever she suspects illegal activities in her neighborhood.
Example
He is tipping off the police about the planned robbery.
Example
The informant tipped off the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Example
The police were tipped off about the illegal activities and conducted a raid.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tip 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
“tip 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 neighbor tipped off the police about the suspicious activity.
Example
Someone tipped the police off about the drug dealer.
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
“tip 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 neighbor tipped off the police about the suspicious activity.
Example
Someone tipped the police off about the drug dealer.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tip off”?
Tip-off* as a noun
The act of providing secret information to the authorities or the information itself.
Example
The police received a tip-off about the illegal activities and started an investigation.
Good things to know
Does “tip off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tip off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and legal contexts.
