What are the definitions of “tootle off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave, depart.
It's getting late, so we're going to TOOTLE OFF home.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tootle off”?
The phrasal verb tootle off means to leave or depart from a place. It is often used in a casual or informal context. For example, it can be used when leaving a party, a gathering, or simply going home.
What are the different verb forms of “tootle off”?
| Root Verb | tootle off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tootles off |
| Present Participle | tootling off |
| Simple Past | tootled off |
| Past Participle | tootled off |
Example
It's time for us to tootle off and head home.
Example
She tootles off to work every morning.
Example
They are tootling off to the store to buy some groceries.
Example
After the meeting, everyone tootled off to their respective offices.
Example
Once the movie was over, we tootled off to grab some dinner.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tootle 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
“tootle 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
It's getting late, so we're going to tootle off home.
Example
After saying goodbye, he tootled off into the night.
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
“tootle 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
It's getting late, so we're going to tootle off home.
Example
After saying goodbye, he tootled off into the night.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tootle off”?
Good things to know
Does “tootle off” have an informal or formal tone?
Tootle off is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or written communication. In more formal situations, alternatives such as 'depart' or 'leave' can be used.
