What Does “Cross sth off” Mean?
“Cross sth off” means to draw a line through something on a list or paper to show that it is finished or no longer needed.
Introduction
The phrase “cross sth off” is a common phrasal verb in English used when you want to indicate that an item on a list has been completed or removed. This can be a task, a name, or any item written down that you want to mark as done or irrelevant. Understanding the cross sth off meaning helps learners improve everyday communication, especially when managing tasks or making plans. It’s a practical expression often used in both spoken and written English, making it useful for learners at all levels.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: cross something off
- Type: Transitive
- Level: A2
- Short meaning: To draw a line through an item on a list to show it is finished or removed
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Cross sth off” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can put the object either between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- cross something off
- cross off something
Examples:
- She crossed the name off the list.
- She crossed off the name on the list.
How to Use “Cross sth off”?
Use “cross sth off” when you want to show that a task or item has been completed or removed from a list. It is often used with to-do lists, shopping lists, or any list where items can be marked as done or no longer needed. The phrase is usually followed by the object, which is the item being crossed off.
Examples
- I can cross off the meeting from my schedule because it was canceled.
- Don’t forget to cross off the items you buy from your shopping list.
- She crossed off the names of people who had already arrived.
- Cross off any tasks you have finished to keep track of your progress.
- He crossed off the old appointments as he updated his calendar.
These examples show how “cross sth off” is used in daily contexts to indicate completion or removal.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I cross offed the task.
- Correct: I crossed off the task.
- Incorrect: She crossed the off name.
- Correct: She crossed off the name.
The verb “cross” is regular, so the past tense is “crossed,” and the particle “off” must stay with the verb. Avoid splitting the phrase incorrectly.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “tick off,” “check off,” and “strike out,” but they have slight differences:
- Tick off / Check off: Marking an item with a tick or check to show completion.
- Strike out: Also means to draw a line through something, often to delete or correct it.
“Cross sth off” usually implies permanently removing or marking something as done, while “tick off” or “check off” is more about marking completion without necessarily crossing it out.
Common Collocations
- cross off a name
- cross off an item
- cross off a task
- cross off a date
- cross off a word
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of cross sth off:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Have you finished your to-do list?
Ben: Almost. I just need to cross off the last few tasks.
Anna: That’s great! It feels good to see everything crossed off, doesn’t it?
Ben: Absolutely, it helps me stay motivated.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “cross off”:
- I _______ the old appointments from my calendar yesterday.
- Don’t forget to _______ the items you buy from the list.
- She _______ the names of people who didn’t come.
FAQs
- Q: Can “cross off” be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, but it is more common in informal or everyday contexts. - Q: Is “cross off” separable?
A: Yes, you can place the object between “cross” and “off” or after “off.” - Q: What is the difference between “cross off” and “tick off”?
A: “Cross off” means to remove by drawing a line; “tick off” means to mark as done with a check. - Q: Can I use “cross off” for digital lists?
A: Yes, it is commonly used for both paper and digital lists. - Q: What is the past tense of “cross off”?
A: The past tense is “crossed off.”
