What Does “Chase sb off” Mean?
“Chase sb off” means to make someone leave a place quickly, often by scaring or forcing them away.
Introduction
The phrase “chase sb off” is a common English phrasal verb used when someone forces another person to leave a place. The “sb” stands for “somebody,” indicating the person who is being made to go away. This expression is often used in situations where someone is unwelcome or causing trouble, and another person wants them to leave. Understanding the chase sb off meaning helps learners use this phrase naturally in conversations. It appears in many contexts, from everyday life to stories, making it an important phrase to recognize and use correctly.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: chase somebody off
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Meaning: To force someone to leave a place quickly
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Chase sb off” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (sb/somebody) between “chase” and “off” or after the whole phrase.
- Chase somebody off
- Chase off somebody
Both forms are correct, but placing the object between the verb and particle is more common.
How to Use “Chase sb off”?
Use “chase sb off” when you want to describe making someone leave quickly, usually because they are not welcome. It is often used in informal situations. The subject is the person or group who forces someone to leave, and the object is the person leaving.
Example: The shop owner chased the thieves off the property.
Examples
- The farmer chased the wild dogs off his land.
- Security guards chased the protesters off the stadium.
- She chased the stray cats off her porch.
- Chase sb off in a sentence: The children chased the bullies off the playground.
- When the guard arrived, he chased the trespassers off immediately.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: Chase off somebody the park.
- Correct: Chase somebody off the park.
- Incorrect: Chase off the dog somebody.
- Correct: Chase the dog off.
Remember to place the object correctly to avoid confusion.
Differences / Synonyms
- Drive sb away: Similar meaning but can be more general, not always quick or forceful.
- Run sb off: Informal, implies forcing someone to leave quickly, often aggressively.
- Kick sb out: More forceful, often used for formal removal (e.g., from a building or organization).
“Chase sb off” usually emphasizes making someone leave by pursuit or threat.
Common Collocations
- Chase burglars off
- Chase intruders off
- Chase animals off
- Chase strangers off
- Chase pests off
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of chase sb off:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you see what happened in the park yesterday?
Ben: No, what?
Anna: Some kids were causing trouble, but the security guard chased them off quickly.
Ben: That’s good. We don’t want any problems there.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “chase sb off”:
- The farmer _______ the wild dogs _______ his field yesterday.
- Security guards _______ the protesters _______ the stadium.
- She _______ the stray cats _______ her garden.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use “chase sb off” in formal writing?
A: It is more common in informal or spoken English but can be used in formal writing if appropriate. - Q: Is “chase sb off” always about physical chasing?
A: Usually yes, but it can also mean forcing someone to leave without literal running. - Q: Can we use “chase sb off” for animals?
A: Yes, it is commonly used to describe making animals leave a place. - Q: What is the difference between “chase sb off” and “kick sb out”?
A: “Kick sb out” is more forceful and formal, often from buildings or groups; “chase sb off” involves pursuit. - Q: Is “chase sb off” separable?
A: Yes, you can place the object between “chase” and “off” or after the phrase.
