What are the definitions of “work off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Exercise to remove stress or weight.
She goes to the gym to WORK OFF her anger.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “work off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb work off is to exercise or engage in physical activity to remove stress, weight, or negative emotions. It is often used to describe the process of burning calories or releasing tension through exercise.
What are the different verb forms of “work off”?
| Root Verb | work off |
| Third Person Singular Present | works off |
| Present Participle | working off |
| Simple Past | worked off |
| Past Participle | worked off |
Example
I need to work off some stress after a long day at work.
Example
He works off his frustration by going for a run.
Example
She is working off her extra energy by dancing.
Example
Yesterday, they worked off their anxiety by doing yoga.
Example
The stress from the meeting was worked off through a long walk.
What kind of phrasal verb is “work 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
“work 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 worked off her anger by exercising.
Example
He worked his stress off by going for a run.
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
“work 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 worked off her anger by exercising.
Example
He worked his stress off by going for a run.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “work off”?
Good things to know
Does “work off” have an informal or formal tone?
Work off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, discussing exercise routines or stress relief methods can be appropriate in both informal and formal situations.
