Quick Definition
Take Off — To remove clothing; (of a plane) to leave the ground; to become suddenly successful.
Meanings of Take Off
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Remove clothing | Take off your shoes before entering. | Remove your shoes. |
| Plane leaving ground | The flight took off two hours late. | The plane departed. |
| Become successful | Her career really took off after that first album. | It became very successful quickly. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Take off your shoes before entering. | Remove your shoes. |
| The flight took off two hours late. | The plane departed. |
| Her career really took off after that first album. | It became very successful quickly. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll take off it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable / intransitive | Transitivity: transitive / intransitive
Transitive separable for clothing: take your jacket off / take off your jacket. Intransitive for aircraft and success.
How to Use Take Off
Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday English.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Take off your shoes before entering. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Take Off
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Take Off
What does "Take Off" mean?
"Take Off" means: To remove clothing; (of a plane) to leave the ground; to become suddenly successful. It is a transitive / intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Take Off" separable or inseparable?
"Take Off" is separable / intransitive. Transitive separable for clothing: take your jacket off / take off your jacket. Intransitive for aircraft and success.
How do I use "Take Off" in a sentence?
Take off your shoes before entering. -- in this example, 'Take Off' means remove your shoes.
What is the register of "Take Off"?
Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday English.
What CEFR level is "Take Off"?
"Take Off" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Take Off" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Take Off" specifically means: To remove clothing; (of a plane) to leave the ground; to become suddenly successful. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Take Off" be used formally?
Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday English. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Take Off" take an object?
"Take Off" is transitive / intransitive. Transitive separable for clothing: take your jacket off / take off your jacket. Intransitive for aircraft and success.
How can I practise "Take Off"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Take Off' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Take Off" used in British or American English?
"Take Off" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday English.