# have off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/have-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to have a period of time when you do not have to work or go to school.

For teachers: to be excused from work or duty for a specific duration; typically used with a time expression as the object or as a modifier.

## Examples

- I have tomorrow off so let's go to the beach.
- She asked her manager if she could have Friday off to attend her sister's wedding.
- The entire department was allowed to have the afternoon off following the successful completion of the merger negotiations.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I have off tomorrow." but "I have tomorrow off." — while 'have off' is used in some dialects, standard English usually places the time period between 'have' and 'off'.

## Usage notes

- usually takes a time period as the object between 'have' and 'off'.
- Teaching tip: this is a transitive phrasal verb where the object (the time period) almost always separates the verb and particle; contrast with 'take off' which implies the act of requesting or starting the break.

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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.