# cross off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cross-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to draw a line through an item on a list because you have finished it or it is no longer needed.

For teachers: to remove an item from a list by drawing a line through it. Transitive; indicates the completion of a task or the exclusion of an option from a set.

## Examples

- I cross off each item as I buy it.
- After a long day of errands, she finally crossed off the last task on her list.
- The committee systematically crossed off candidates who failed to meet the stringent criteria for the executive position.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I crossed out the milk from my shopping list because I bought it." but "I crossed off the milk from my shopping list because I bought it." — 'Cross out' usually means correcting an error, while 'cross off' means completing a task.

## Usage notes

- Typically used with lists, names, or tasks and is often separable.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'cross out', which usually implies correcting a mistake rather than completing a task.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.