What are the definitions of “touch off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cause a problem to occur.
The government's decision TOUCHED OFF riots in the capital.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “touch off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb touch off is to cause a problem or event to occur, usually something negative or undesirable. It often refers to triggering a reaction or chain of events.
What are the different verb forms of “touch off”?
| Root Verb | touch off |
| Third Person Singular Present | touches off |
| Present Participle | touching off |
| Simple Past | touched off |
| Past Participle | touched off |
Example
The news touched off a series of protests.
Example
His comment touches off a heated debate.
Example
The announcement is touching off a wave of criticism.
Example
The incident touched off a major controversy.
Example
The scandal was touched off by a leaked email.
What kind of phrasal verb is “touch 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
“touch 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 decision touched off a series of protests.
Example
His comment touched off a heated debate.
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
“touch 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 decision touched off a series of protests.
Example
His comment touched off a heated debate.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “touch off”?
Good things to know
Does “touch off” have an informal or formal tone?
Touch off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as news reports, academic writing, or professional discussions.
