What Does “Blow off sth” Mean?
“Blow off sth” is a phrasal verb that means to ignore or skip something intentionally, often something important like an event or responsibility.
Introduction
The phrase “blow off sth” is commonly used in informal English to describe situations when someone decides not to attend or complete something they were expected to do. The blow off sth meaning usually involves deliberately avoiding an obligation, such as skipping a meeting, ignoring a task, or not showing up to an appointment. It often carries a casual or careless tone, implying that the person is choosing to prioritize something else or simply not care about the commitment. Understanding how to use “blow off sth” correctly can help learners sound more natural and fluent in everyday conversations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: blow off something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to deliberately ignore or avoid something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Blow off” is a separable phrasal verb, which means you can place the object either between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- Blow off + something (object after particle)
- Example: She blew off the meeting.
- Blow + something + off (object between verb and particle)
- Example: She blew the meeting off.
Both forms are correct, but putting the object between “blow” and “off” is more common in spoken English.
How to Use “Blow off sth”?
Use “blow off sth” when you want to say someone is skipping or ignoring something, often something they should or were expected to do. It is mostly used in informal contexts.
This phrasal verb can be used with various objects, such as meetings, classes, work, responsibilities, or dates.
Example contexts include:
- Skipping a class or school
- Not attending a social event
- Ignoring work tasks
Examples
- He blew off his homework to watch TV.
- They blew the meeting off and went to the beach instead.
- She often blows off her responsibilities when she feels stressed.
- Don’t blow off your doctor’s appointment; it’s important.
- Blow off sth in a sentence: I can’t believe you blew off the party last night!
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She blow off the test yesterday.
Correct: She blew off the test yesterday. - Incorrect: I don’t want to blow off to the meeting.
Correct: I don’t want to blow off the meeting. - Incorrect: He blew off on the presentation.
Correct: He blew off the presentation.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include skip, ditch, and miss. However, “blow off” often implies a deliberate or careless choice, while “miss” can be accidental.
- Blow off: implies ignoring or avoiding something intentionally and often irresponsibly.
- Skip: means not attending but can be neutral or planned.
- Ditch: informal, meaning to abandon or leave something or someone suddenly.
- Miss: often accidental or unavoidable absence.
Common Collocations
- Blow off a meeting
- Blow off class
- Blow off work
- Blow off an appointment
- Blow off responsibilities
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of blow off sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you see Tom at the party last night?
Ben: No, he blew off the party. He said he was too tired.
Anna: Again? He always blows off social events these days.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with “blow off” or its correct past form:
- She __________ her piano lesson to hang out with friends.
- Don’t __________ the meeting; it’s very important.
- They __________ the class because they were feeling sick.
FAQs
- Q: Is “blow off” formal or informal?
A: It is informal and best used in casual conversations. - Q: Can “blow off” be used with people?
A: Yes, it can mean ignoring or avoiding someone. - Q: What is the difference between “blow off” and “skip”?
A: “Blow off” suggests carelessness; “skip” can be planned or neutral. - Q: Is “blow off” separable?
A: Yes, you can put the object between “blow” and “off” or after “off”. - Q: Can I use “blow off” in writing?
A: It is suitable for informal writing but avoid it in formal texts.
