What does the phrasal verb “mark off” mean?

What are the definitions of “mark off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Tick, cross out or otherwise mark something to show that it has been dealt with.

  I MARKED OFF the items on the list as I finished them.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mark off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mark off is to tick, cross out, or otherwise indicate that something has been dealt with or completed. This is often used when working through a list or a set of tasks.

What are the different verb forms of “mark off”?

Root Verb	mark off
Third Person Singular Present	marks off
Present Participle	marking off
Simple Past	marked off
Past Participle	marked off

Example

Please mark off the tasks you have completed on the checklist.

Example

She marks off the items on her to-do list as she finishes them.

Example

He is marking off the completed tasks on the project plan.

Example

Yesterday, they marked off all the finished tasks on the whiteboard.

Example

The completed items have been marked off on the list.

What kind of phrasal verb is “mark off”?

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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

“mark 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 marked off the items on the list.

Example

He marked the tasks off as he completed them.

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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

“mark 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 marked off the items on the list.

Example

He marked the tasks off as he completed them.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mark off”?

Mark off a boundary

To indicate or establish a boundary or limit, often by drawing a line or placing a physical marker.

Example

The construction crew marked off the area where the new building will be constructed.

Mark off a section

To separate or distinguish a specific section or part of something, often by drawing a line or placing a physical marker.

Example

The teacher marked off a section of the classroom for group activities.

Mark off a distance

To measure and indicate a specific distance, often by placing a physical marker or drawing a line.

Example

The athletes marked off the distance they needed to run for the race.

Good things to know

Does “mark off” have an informal or formal tone?

Mark off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in business or academic environments.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “mark off”?

Synonyms

• indicate
• note
• record
• register
• cross out
• tick off
• check off

Antonyms

• include
• insert
• omit
• add
• unmark
• erase