What are the definitions of “wash off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To remove something by washing.
Don’t worry about the dirty marks. They’ll wash off easily.
- 2To remove by washing.
Wash all the soil off before you cook the potatoes.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wash off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wash off is to remove something, such as dirt or stains, by washing or cleaning. It can be used to describe cleaning objects, clothes, or even parts of the body.
What are the different verb forms of “wash off”?
| Root Verb | wash off |
| Third Person Singular Present | washes off |
| Present Participle | washing off |
| Simple Past | washed off |
| Past Participle | washed off |
Example
I need to wash off the dirt from my shoes.
Example
She washes off her makeup before going to bed.
Example
He is washing off the mud from his bicycle.
Example
Yesterday, they washed off the graffiti from the wall.
Example
The stain was washed off after using a strong detergent.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wash 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
“wash 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 washed off the dirt from her hands.
Example
He washed the mud off his boots.
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
“wash 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 washed off the dirt from her hands.
Example
He washed the mud off his boots.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wash off”?
Good things to know
Does “wash off” have an informal or formal tone?
Wash 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, depending on the specific context.
