Phrasal verb
ring off
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
ring off
Past
rang off
Past participle
rung off
Definition
phrasal verb. to end a phone call by hanging up. You use this when you finish talking and put the phone down.
phrasal verb. to terminate a telephone conversation by breaking the connection. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Examples
“I have to ring off now because someone is at the door.”
“He apologized for having to ring off so abruptly, explaining that his train was entering a tunnel.”
“After a brief and somewhat frosty exchange regarding the contract's late delivery, the client rang off without offering a formal goodbye.”
Examples
simple
“I have to ring off now because someone is at the door.”
contextual
“He apologized for having to ring off so abruptly, explaining that his train was entering a tunnel.”
complex
“After a brief and somewhat frosty exchange regarding the contract's late delivery, the client rang off without offering a formal goodbye.”
Usage
This phrase is intransitive, meaning you do not put an object after it.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'hang up' and 'ring up'; note that 'ring off' is specifically British and slightly more formal or dated than 'hang up'.
Pitfall
She rang off the phone.
She rang off.
The verb is intransitive, so you cannot 'ring off' an object like a phone or a person.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
ring + 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/ring-off