Based on the "English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate" book, here is a lecture on Unit 15, which focuses on the particle off.
The Particle 'Off' in Phrasal Verbs
The particle off is a very common element in English phrasal verbs. While it may seem simple, it can convey several different meanings depending on the main verb it is paired with. The core idea behind off is often a sense of separation, departure, or ceasing an action.
Key Meanings of 'Off'
Departure or leaving a place:
Set off: This means to begin a journey or a trip. For example, "Khalfan set off last Sunday".
Head off: To start a journey or leave a place. For example, "We're planning to head off in the early evening".
Removal or separation:
Take off: This can refer to a plane leaving the ground. For instance, "a plane takes off from the airport". It can also mean to remove a piece of clothing.
Cut off: To disconnect a service, such as electricity. For example, "When we didn't pay the bill, the electricity was cut off".
Doze off: To fall asleep, indicating a separation from a state of being awake.
Stopping an action or preventing something:
Call off: To cancel an event or an arrangement. For example, "He wants to call it off altogether".
Put off: To postpone an event or an action. For example, "He's put the meeting off three times".
Turn off: To stop a machine from working, often by pressing a button.
Switch off: Similar to
turn off, it means to deactivate something.
Giving a negative or unpleasant feeling:
Be off (something): To dislike a certain food or activity.
Put (someone) off: To make someone dislike something or to discourage them from doing it.
Examples in Context
"The rocket is due to lift off tomorrow at noon."
"I hope I've managed to put him off the idea of redecorating the house."
"She just went off without saying goodbye. I wonder if I offended her?"
"The security guard let us out of the building site." (Note: This is an example of a phrasal verb with a different particle, but it's important to differentiate it from phrasal verbs using off.)
The key to mastering these phrasal verbs is to recognize the core meaning of the particle and see how it changes the meaning of the main verb. As you can see, off frequently signifies a departure, a removal, or a cessation of some kind.
Here's a lecture based on the provided text, focusing on how the particle "off" indicates ending or changing states, and other expressions with "off."
The Particle 'Off': Expressing Ending or Changing State, and Other Uses 🔚
The particle off is incredibly versatile in English phrasal verbs. Beyond simply indicating separation or departure, it often signifies a movement towards an ending or a change of state. Let's explore these nuances and other important expressions.
1. Ending or Changing State
When combined with certain verbs, off suggests a transition, a completion, or a shift from one state to another.
Sold off: This phrasal verb means to sell all or part of a business or asset. The "off" here conveys the idea of a complete disposal or divestment, leading to the ending of ownership.
Example: "My cousin has sold off his share of the Internet company he started with a friend." This implies he no longer owns that part of the company.
Dozed off: This refers to gradually starting to sleep, especially during the day. The "off" indicates a change of state from being awake to falling asleep.
Example: "After lunch Grandpa dozed off on the sofa."
Broke off: This means to suddenly stop speaking. Here, "off" signals an abrupt ending to the speech.
Example: "Mr Prosser suddenly looked very pale and broke off in the middle of his lecture."
Run off: This can mean to quickly and easily write something that is usually difficult to write. The "off" implies the completion of a task with ease, bringing it to an end.
Example: "She's so clever. She can run off a 1,000-word essay in an hour. It takes me all day!"
(Note: Remember that "run off" can also mean to leave somewhere quickly, as discussed in the previous lecture on departure.)
2. Other Important Expressions with 'Off'
Beyond indicating an ending or change of state, off appears in various other common and useful phrasal verbs and expressions.
Put (someone) off: This means to make someone dislike something or decide that they are not interested in it. The "off" here indicates a rejection or a deterrent.
Example: "What he said has put me off the idea of going to Blandville for a holiday altogether!"
Off-putting: This is an adjective derived from "put off," and it describes something that makes something sound unattractive or unpleasant.
Example: "His description of the hotel was very off-putting."
Hold off: This means to delay doing something. The "off" suggests postponement or keeping something at a distance for a period.
Example: "Maybe we should hold off and go to Paris or somewhere in the spring?"
Turn (someone) off: Similar to "put off," this means to make someone decide that they are no longer interested in something.
Example: "I think I've managed to turn him off the idea of building a model railway track in the back garden."
Laugh (something) off: This means to laugh about something unpleasant in order to make it seem less important or serious. The "off" here signifies dismissal or trivialization.
Example: "She didn't get offended by the comment; she just laughed it off."
Understanding these different applications of the particle "off" will significantly enhance your comprehension and use of English phrasal verbs! Keep practicing them in various contexts.
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