The Meaning and Usage of the Phrase “Put Off”
Introduction
The phrase “put off” is a versatile and commonly used English phrasal verb. Its meanings vary depending on the context, reflecting its flexibility in the English language. Here, we will explore the different meanings and usage of “put off”, as well as provide examples of how to use it effectively.
Meanings of “Put Off”
1. Delay or Postpone: When used as an intransitive verb, “put off” can mean to delay or postpone something for a later time. For example, “Let’s put off the meeting until 9 am.”
2. Influence or Affect Choice: The phrase can also mean to influence or affect a decision or choice someone makes. For instance, “Having spent time in hospital, I was put off wanting to be a nurse.”
3. Eject or Expel: “Put off” can also mean to eject someone from a place. For example, “The noisy passenger was put off the bus.”
phrases Containing “Put Off”
To Stop Doing a Job/Task: This phrase means to stop working on a job or task before it was finished. For example, “We didn’t buy enough paint, so we had to put off the closet walls unpainted.”
Proverbs and Usage Examples
Proverb: “Never put off for tomorrow what can be done today.”
Here are a few more examples illustrating the different usages of the phrasal verb “put off”:
To Delay Until a Later Date: “I’ll put the meeting off until next week.”
To Discourage Someone from Liking Something: “Yuck! The smell of frying fish has put me off my lunch.”
To Discourage Someone from a Course of Action: “Our headmaster put my brother off the idea of going to university.”
What Does Being Put Off Mean?
Being put off is an emotional response to something that has upset or disgusted you. For example, if you find the smell of something unpleasant, it can put you off, and you won’t want to come near it. If someone gives an offensive comment, it can put you off their idea entirely.
Additionally, if you find a situation or task too overwhelming or unpleasant to handle right away, you might put it off until later. This can mean either postponing a task or being disgusted by something to the point where you don’t want to engage with it anymore.
Conclusion
The phrase “put off” is a multi-faceted phrasal verb that can be used in various contexts. Understanding its different meanings and uses can help you use English more effectively and accurately. Whether you use it to delay tasks, affect decisions, or describe a negative emotional reaction, make sure to choose the right context to maintain clear communication.