What are the definitions of “head off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop someone or force them to change direction.
The sheriff and his men HEADED the bandits OFF at the pass.
- 2Prevent something bad happening.
The company made a better offer to HEAD OFF the moves for a strike.
- 3Leave somewhere to go to another place.
After work, we all HEADED OFF to the pub.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “head off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb head off is to stop someone or force them to change direction. It can also mean to prevent something bad from happening or to leave somewhere to go to another place.
What are the different verb forms of “head off”?
| Root Verb | head off |
| Third Person Singular Present | heads off |
| Present Participle | heading off |
| Simple Past | headed off |
| Past Participle | headed off |
Example
The police headed off the protesters before they reached the city center.
Example
She heads off to the gym every morning before work.
Example
They are heading off to the beach for a weekend getaway.
Example
He headed off the potential conflict by addressing the issue early.
Example
The crisis was headed off by a last-minute agreement.
What kind of phrasal verb is “head 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
“head 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 teacher headed off the students' argument before it escalated.
Example
She headed off the rumors by providing accurate information.
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
“head 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 teacher headed off the students' argument before it escalated.
Example
She headed off the rumors by providing accurate information.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “head off”?
Good things to know
Does “head off” have an informal or formal tone?
Head 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.
