What are the definitions of “get off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Escape punishment.
He GOT OFF on a technicality and left the court a free man.
- 2Leave a bus, train, etc..
We GOT OFF the bus and walked to my house.
- 3Finish, leave work.
I like to GET OFF early on Fridays.
- 4Start a journey.
We need to GET OFF early to avoid the rush hour traffic.
- 5Help a baby or child sleep.
I can't GET the kids OFF because of the noise from next door.
- 6Orgasm, have sex.
We GOT OFF last night.
- 7Manage to fire a gun.
She GOT OFF a few shots before she was arrested.
- 8Stop talking on the phone.
Let me know when he GETS OFF the phone as I need to make a call.
- 9Write or send letters, messages, etc.
I GOT three emails OFF before the meeting.
- 10Say or write something funny.
She GOT OFF some jokes at the start of her presentation.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get off is to leave a vehicle such as a bus, train, or bike. For example, you might get off the bus at your stop, or get off your bike when you reach your destination.
What are the different verb forms of “get off”?
| Root Verb | get off |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets off |
| Present Participle | getting off |
| Simple Past | got off |
| Past Participle | gotten off |
Example
I always get off the bus at the park.
Example
She gets off the train at the city center.
Example
He is getting off the bike at the store.
Example
Yesterday, they got off the ferry at the island.
Example
The passengers had gotten off the plane by the time I arrived at the airport.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get 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.)
Intransitive verb
“get off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She got off the bus at her stop.
Example
He got off the train at the station.
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
“get 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 got off the bus at her stop.
Example
He got off the train at the station.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get off”?
Good things to know
Does “get off” have an informal or formal tone?
Get off is a neutral phrasal verb. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms such as 'depart' or 'disembark'.
