Phrasal verb
get off
Meanings
to leave a vehicle (bus, train, plane, bike, etc.)
to stop touching, leaning on, or using something; to move away from it
to avoid punishment or receive only a light punishment after doing something wrong
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Definition
To leave a place or stop using something, or to avoid punishment for something.
"Get off" is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It often means to leave a bus, train, bike, or other vehicle, or to stop touching or using something. It can also mean to avoid punishment or to receive a light punishment. The meaning is usually clear from the object and context.
Examples
- I get off the train at Central Station every morning.
- You should get off the grass so the gardener can work.
- He got off the bus too early and had to walk back.
- She got off with a warning after she forgot her ID badge.
- They got off the couch when the guests arrived.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the preposition "at" for stops and say "get off the next stop" instead of "get off at the next stop."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.