turn off

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to stop the flow of electricity, gas, water, or a signal to a device by using a switch, button, or valve. It can also be used informally to describe something that makes you lose interest or feel disgusted.

Examples

• Don't forget to turn off the lights before you leave the office.

  Don't forget to turn off the lights before you leave the office.

• Could you please turn off the TV? I'm trying to concentrate.

  Could you please turn off the TV? I'm trying to concentrate.

• I always turn off my phone's notifications during dinner.

  I always turn off my phone's notifications during dinner.

• His arrogant attitude really turned off the hiring manager.

  His arrogant attitude really turned off the hiring manager.

• Remember to turn off the water main if you notice a leak.

  Remember to turn off the water main if you notice a leak.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Don't forget to close the TV when you go to bed.

  ✓ Don't forget to turn off the TV when you go to bed.

  In English, we do not 'open' or 'close' electrical appliances or lights. We use 'turn on' or 'turn off'.

• ✗ He turned off it before leaving.

  ✓ He turned it off before leaving.

  When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Can you please ___ the radio? The music is too loud.

  💡 Stop the device from playing.

  Show answer

  turn off

• Make sure you ___ the oven after baking the cake.

  💡 Stop the flow of heat or power.

  Show answer

  turn off