ENGLISH
REFERENCE

block off

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to close a road or an opening so that people or cars cannot pass through it.

phr. v.. to obstruct or seal an entrance, exit, or thoroughfare to prevent access or passage; often involves physical barriers.


SIMPLE

The police block off the street for the parade.

CONTEXTUAL

Workers had to block off the main entrance while they repaired the broken glass in the lobby.

COMPLEX

Authorities decided to block off the entire perimeter to ensure that the investigation could proceed without interference from the public.

Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
block + (object) + off
Usage

commonly used with physical spaces like roads, entrances, or sections of a building.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'close off' which is very similar, but 'block' emphasizes the physical barrier used to stop movement.

Pitfall

They blocked off of the road.They blocked off the road.the particle 'off' is followed directly by the object without the preposition 'of'.

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