Phrasal verb
put off
Definition
phrasal verb. to delay doing something until a later time, or to make someone lose interest in something.
phrasal verb. to postpone an event or task to a later time; to cause someone to lose interest or enthusiasm for a person or activity.
Examples
“Don't put off your homework until the last minute.”
“The heavy rain forced the organizers to put off the outdoor concert until next weekend.”
“His arrogant attitude during the interview really put me off, despite his impressive technical qualifications and years of experience in the field.”
Examples
simple
“Don't put off your homework until the last minute.”
contextual
“The heavy rain forced the organizers to put off the outdoor concert until next weekend.”
complex
“His arrogant attitude during the interview really put me off, despite his impressive technical qualifications and years of experience in the field.”
Usage
The phrasal verb is transitive and separable; it can take a direct object between the verb and the particle.
Pitfall
put off it
put it off
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
separable
Pattern
put + (object) + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/put-off