Phrasal verb
switch off
Meanings
to turn off a device or machine so it stops operating
to stop paying attention because you are bored, tired, or not interested
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to relax and stop thinking about work or worries
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Definition
To stop paying attention or to turn off a device or machine.
“Switch off” most commonly means to stop paying attention because you feel bored or tired. It can also mean to turn a device off so it stops working or using power. In some contexts, it means to stop thinking about work and relax.
Examples
- I always switch off the lights before I leave the house.
- You switch off whenever the meeting turns into long slides.
- He switched off his phone during the concert.
- She switched off and stared at the rain instead of listening.
- They try to switch off after work by taking a walk together.
Common mistake
Learners often forget that “switch off” is separable only in the device sense and must place pronouns in the middle (e.g., “switch it off,” not “switch off it”).
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.