Phrasal Verbs 4 – on/off (1)
Using on and off with verbs for lights, machines, events, clothes, and movement
On and Off for Lights and Machines
When a device, light, or machine is working, we say it is on. When it stops working, it is off. The two most common verbs here are turn on/off and switch on/off.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| turn something on | start a device or light | It was dark in the office, so I turned the lights on. |
| turn something off | stop a device or light | Can you turn off the projector? The meeting is over. |
| switch something on | same as turn on | I switched on my laptop and checked my emails. |
| switch something off | same as turn off | Please switch off your phone before the presentation starts. |
You can also put on music or a song, and put the kettle on (= start boiling water).
- The team finished early, so we put on some music while we cleaned up.
- I’ll put the kettle on — anyone want coffee?
Notice that the object can go between the verb and the particle, or after the particle. But with pronouns, the pronoun must go in the middle:
- Turn it off. (not
Turn off it.) - Shall I leave the lights on or turn them off?
On and Off for Events
These phrasal verbs describe what happens with events — whether they take place, get cancelled, or get delayed.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| go on | happen | There’s a lot of noise upstairs. What’s going on? |
| call something off | cancel it | The outdoor team-building event was called off because of the rain. |
| put something off | delay it, postpone it | We can’t keep putting off this decision. We need to act now. |
You can also say put off doing something:
- I kept putting off calling the supplier, and now they’ve sold out.
- Don’t put off updating your timesheet — do it today.
On and Off for Clothes
Put on and take off are opposites. You put on clothes when you dress, and take off clothes when you undress.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| put something on | place clothes, glasses, etc. on your body | It’s cold in the warehouse — put on a jacket. |
| take something off | remove clothes, glasses, etc. from your body | It was warm inside, so I took off my coat. |
| try something on | put on clothes to check the fit or look | I tried on the uniform, but it was too small. |
Put on weight means to get heavier:
- I’ve put on a few kilos since I stopped cycling to work.
Off = Away from a Place
Off often means leaving or moving away from where you are. Many movement verbs combine with off to show departure.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| be off (to a place) | be leaving, be going | I’m off to the client’s office. See you later. |
| drive off / walk off / run off / go off | leave by driving, walking, etc. | She finished the delivery and drove off. |
| set off | start a journey | We set off early to avoid the rush-hour traffic. |
| take off | leave the ground (planes) | The flight to Tokyo finally took off after a two-hour delay. |
| see somebody off | go to the airport or station to say goodbye | The whole team went to the airport to see our colleague off. |
- Mark got into the company car and drove off to the regional office.
- We need to set off by 7 if we want to make the 9 o’clock meeting.
Quick Self-Check
The conference room is too hot. Can you _____ the air conditioning _____?
Select your answer:
The client meeting has been _____ until next Monday because the director is sick.
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It started raining during the site visit, so I _____ my waterproof jacket.
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We _____ at 6 a.m. to reach the factory before the morning shift started.
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The outdoor training session was _____ because of the storm warning.
Select your answer: