What Does “Carry sb off” Mean?
“Carry sb off” means to take someone away, often suddenly or by force. It can also mean to succeed in doing something difficult.
Introduction
The phrase “carry sb off” is a versatile phrasal verb used in English to describe different actions depending on the context. Most commonly, it means to physically take someone away, sometimes unexpectedly or forcefully, such as in stories or emergencies. Another common use is to indicate success in completing a difficult task, like winning a competition or achieving a goal. Understanding the carry sb off meaning helps learners use it correctly in everyday conversations and writing. This guide will explain how to use “carry sb off” naturally, with examples, grammar tips, and common collocations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: carry sb off (carry somebody off)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to take someone away or to succeed in doing something difficult
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Carry sb off” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always requires an object (sb = somebody).
- It is inseparable: you cannot put the object between “carry” and “off”.
- Correct pattern: carry + somebody + off
- Incorrect: carry off somebody (avoid this structure)
How to Use “Carry sb off”?
You can use “carry sb off” in two main ways:
- Physical removal: When someone is taken away, often suddenly or by force. Example: “The kidnappers carried the victim off.”
- Achieving success: When someone wins or manages to do something difficult. Example: “She carried off the award for best actress.”
In both cases, the phrase emphasizes the action of successfully taking or winning something or someone.
Examples
- They carried the injured man off the battlefield.
- He carried off first prize in the singing competition.
- The storm carried off the roof of the house.
- She carried off the role of Juliet with great skill.
- Robbers carried off a large sum of money last night.
These examples show “carry sb off in a sentence” used in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: They carried off him to safety.
Correct: They carried him off to safety. - Incorrect: She carried off the prize successfully.
Correct: She carried off the prize. - Incorrect: Carry off the box.
Correct: Carry the box off. (Note: “carry something off” is less common; usually “carry off” with people or achievements.)
Differences / Synonyms
“Carry sb off” can be confused with similar phrasal verbs:
- Carry away: To be emotionally overwhelmed or to physically remove something. E.g., “She was carried away by the music.”
- Take off: To leave the ground (plane) or to leave quickly. E.g., “The plane took off.”
- Carry out: To perform or complete a task. E.g., “They carried out the plan.”
Unlike these, “carry sb off” focuses on removing someone or succeeding in a challenge.
Common Collocations
- Carry someone off to safety
- Carry off a victory
- Carry off a prize
- Carry off the stage
- Carry off the award
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of carry sb off:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear about the rescue last night?
Ben: No, what happened?
Anna: The firefighters carried the trapped family off the burning building.
Ben: That’s amazing! They really carried them off safely.
Anna: Yes, and the hero of the night carried off the medal for bravery too.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “carry sb off”:
- The champion ________ the trophy after an intense match.
- During the flood, volunteers ________ the stranded villagers to higher ground.
- She managed to ________ the leading role in the play.
FAQs
- Q: Can “carry sb off” mean to kidnap someone?
A: Yes, it can mean to take someone away suddenly or by force. - Q: Is “carry sb off” separable?
A: No, the object must come between “carry” and “off”. - Q: Can “carry sb off” be used for winning something?
A: Yes, it means to succeed in getting a prize or achievement. - Q: What level of English is “carry sb off”?
A: It is usually considered B2 level. - Q: Can “carry sb off” be used for objects?
A: It is mostly used with people or achievements, not objects.
