What are the definitions of “turn off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop a machine.
I TURNED the TV OFF and went to bed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn off is to stop a machine or device from working, usually by pressing a button or switch. For example, it can mean turning off the lights, television, or any electronic device.
What are the different verb forms of “turn off”?
| Root Verb | turn off |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns off |
| Present Participle | turning off |
| Simple Past | turned off |
| Past Participle | turned off |
Example
Please turn off the lights before you leave the room.
Example
She turns off her phone during meetings.
Example
He is turning off the computer before going home.
Example
Yesterday, they turned off the air conditioner to save energy.
Example
The lights were turned off to conserve electricity.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn 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
“turn 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 turned off the television.
Example
He turned the lights off in the room.
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
“turn 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 turned off the television.
Example
He turned the lights off in the room.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn off”?
Good things to know
Does “turn off” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written instructions or technical documents.
