Phrasal verb
run off
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a place or person suddenly, often to escape or avoid a situation.
phrasal verb. to depart suddenly or secretly, often to evade a responsibility or situation; functions as an intransitive phrasal verb in this sense.
Examples
“The dog runs off if you leave the gate open.”
“When the alarm started ringing, the teenagers got scared and decided to run off into the woods.”
“The suspect managed to run off into the dense urban crowd before the officers could establish a secure perimeter.”
Examples
simple
“The dog runs off if you leave the gate open.”
contextual
“When the alarm started ringing, the teenagers got scared and decided to run off into the woods.”
complex
“The suspect managed to run off into the dense urban crowd before the officers could establish a secure perimeter.”
Usage
usually describes a sudden departure without warning or permission.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'run away', which often implies a more permanent or long-distance escape, whereas 'run off' can just mean leaving a specific spot quickly.
Pitfall
He runned off when he saw the police.
He ran off when he saw the police.
the past tense of 'run' is irregular ('ran'), not 'runned'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
run + 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
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/run-off