Phrasal verb
turn sth off
Definition
phrasal verb. to stop a machine or a light from working by using a switch or button.
phrasal verb. to stop the operation or flow of a device, appliance, or supply by means of a switch, valve, or control.
Examples
“Please turn the lights off when you leave.”
“I always turn my phone off before the movie starts so it doesn't ring.”
“The technician had to turn the main power off before he could safely inspect the damaged electrical wiring in the basement.”
Examples
simple
“Please turn the lights off when you leave.”
contextual
“I always turn my phone off before the movie starts so it doesn't ring.”
complex
“The technician had to turn the main power off before he could safely inspect the damaged electrical wiring in the basement.”
Usage
used with electrical devices, engines, or water and gas supplies.
Teaching tip
this is a separable phrasal verb; remind students that if the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go in the middle.
Pitfall
Turn off it.
Turn it off.
when the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
turn + (object) + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/turn-sth-off