turn sth off
phr. v.. A2 Elementary Oxford
phr. v.. to stop a machine or a light from working by using a switch or button.
phr. v.. to stop the operation or flow of a device, appliance, or supply by means of a switch, valve, or control.
Please turn the lights off when you leave.
I always turn my phone off before the movie starts so it doesn't ring.
The technician had to turn the main power off before he could safely inspect the damaged electrical wiring in the basement.
- Particles
- off
- Separability
- optional
- Pattern
- turn + (object) + off
Usage
used with electrical devices, engines, or water and gas supplies.
Teaching tip
this is a separable phrasal verb; remind students that if the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go in the middle.
Pitfall
Turn off it.Turn it off.when the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.