What are the definitions of “top off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Finish something in a special way.
He complained for an hour and to TOP it OFF started shouting his head off.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “top off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb top off is to finish something in a special or satisfying way. It is often used to describe the final action or event that completes a situation or experience.
What are the different verb forms of “top off”?
| Root Verb | top off |
| Third Person Singular Present | tops off |
| Present Participle | topping off |
| Simple Past | topped off |
| Past Participle | topped off |
Example
To celebrate their anniversary, they decided to top off the evening with a romantic walk on the beach.
Example
She always tops off her homemade pizza with fresh basil.
Example
He is topping off his vacation with a visit to the famous museum.
Example
They topped off their meal with a delicious dessert.
Example
The party was topped off with a spectacular fireworks display.
What kind of phrasal verb is “top 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
“top 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 topped off her speech with a funny joke.
Example
He topped the cake off with whipped cream.
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
“top 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 topped off her speech with a funny joke.
Example
He topped the cake off with whipped cream.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “top off”?
Good things to know
Does “top off” have an informal or formal tone?
Top off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
