Phrasal verbs 4 - on/off (1)

Phrasal verbs formed with the particles on and off are very common in business and everyday English. These verbs often change meaning compared with the base verb and are used for devices, clothing, system access, and scheduling. Understanding the particle (on/off) and where to place it is essential.

• On often means 'activate', 'wear', or 'connect' (e.g. turn on, put on, log on).
• Off often means 'deactivate', 'remove', or 'cancel' (e.g. turn off, take off, call off).
• Some phrasal verbs are separable (you can place the object between verb and particle); others are not.
• In business contexts, on/off verbs appear in instructions (turn off the printer), schedules (call off the meeting), and IT (log on / log off).

The most important point is how the object interacts with separable phrasal verbs:

• If a phrasal verb is separable, you can place a noun object either after the particle or between the verb and particle: "turn off the lights" / "turn the lights off".
• If the object is a pronoun, it must go between verb and particle: "turn them off" (not "turn off them").
• Intransitive phrasal verbs do not accept objects: e.g. "The meeting was called off." (no direct object needed).

Remember: noun objects can follow the particle or come between the verb and particle; pronouns must come between.

Watch out for these universal errors when using on/off phrasal verbs:

• Placing pronoun objects after the particle: incorrect → "turn off them"; correct → "turn them off".
• Forgetting that some phrasal verbs are inseparable and cannot take an object between verb and particle.
• Translating literally without checking idiomatic meaning (the phrasal verb may mean 'cancel' rather than 'move off').
• Using the wrong particle (on vs off) and changing the intended meaning.
• Confusing register: some phrasal verbs are informal and may not suit formal written reports.

If unsure, check whether the verb is separable and whether the object is a pronoun.