English Reference

Phrasal verb

get off

Definition

phrasal verb. To leave a bus, train, plane, or other vehicle you are riding on.

phrasal verb. To dismount or alight from a form of transport. It is typically used with vehicles one sits or stands in or on.

Examples

“We need to get off at the next station.”

“Make sure you have all your bags before you get off the train.”

“The moment the weary travelers got off the ferry, they were enveloped by the island's humid, fragrant air.”

Examples

simple

“We need to get off at the next station.”

contextual

“Make sure you have all your bags before you get off the train.”

complex

“The moment the weary travelers got off the ferry, they were enveloped by the island's humid, fragrant air.”

Usage

Commonly used for public transport (bus, train, plane) and things you ride on (bike, horse).

Teaching tip

Teach this as a pair with its direct opposite, 'get on', for entering and leaving transport.

Pitfall

I will get off from the bus.

I will get off the bus.

No preposition like 'from' is used; the vehicle directly follows 'get off'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + off + object

Synonyms

exitleavealightdismount

Antonyms

get onboard

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference