What are the definitions of “kick off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Start a game of football.
The match KICKS OFF at three o'clock.
- 2Die.
He KICKED OFF last month when he had a massive heart attack.
- 3When trouble starts.
The fight KICKED OFF when he insulted the guy's girlfriend.
- 4Argue, protest and refuse to co - operate.
He started KICKING OFF big time when the police tried to arrest him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kick off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kick off is to start an event, especially a game or a meeting. It is often used when talking about the beginning of a sports match, like football or soccer. For example, it can mean the moment when the game starts, or when a meeting or gathering begins.
What are the different verb forms of “kick off”?
| Root Verb | kick off |
| Third Person Singular Present | kicks off |
| Present Participle | kicking off |
| Simple Past | kicked off |
| Past Participle | kicked off |
Example
The conference will kick off with a keynote speech.
Example
The football match kicks off at 3 pm.
Example
The event is kicking off with a live performance.
Example
The party kicked off with a bang last night.
Example
The meeting was kicked off by the CEO's speech.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kick 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
“kick 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
The concert kicked off with a great performance.
Example
The game kicked off at 7 pm.
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
“kick 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 concert kicked off with a great performance.
Example
The game kicked off at 7 pm.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kick off”?
Start a conversation or debate about a specific topic.
Example
The panel will kick off a discussion on climate change.
Start a party or festive event.
Example
The holiday season kicked off with a tree lighting ceremony.
Good things to know
Does “kick off” have an informal or formal tone?
Kick off is generally considered informal and is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when talking about sports or events. In more formal settings, you might use synonyms like 'begin,' 'commence,' or 'initiate' instead.
