What are the definitions of “chew off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove by biting.
The dog CHEWED OFF the man's face.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chew off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chew off is to remove something by biting it. This can be used to describe animals or people biting and tearing off a piece of something.
What are the different verb forms of “chew off”?
| Root Verb | chew off |
| Third Person Singular Present | chews off |
| Present Participle | chewing off |
| Simple Past | chewed off |
| Past Participle | chewed off |
Example
The puppy tried to chew off the toy's ear.
Example
The squirrel chews off the nuts from the tree.
Example
The baby is chewing off a piece of bread.
Example
The dog chewed off a piece of the bone.
Example
The rope had been chewed off by the rats.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chew 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
“chew 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 dog chewed off the toy's ear.
Example
She chewed the gum off her shoe.
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
“chew 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 dog chewed off the toy's ear.
Example
She chewed the gum off her shoe.
Good things to know
Does “chew off” have an informal or formal tone?
Chew 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.
