What Does “Cross sth off sth” Mean?
“Cross sth off sth” means to draw a line through an item on a list to show it is completed or no longer needed.
Introduction
The phrase “cross sth off sth” is a common English phrasal verb used when you want to indicate that something has been finished, removed, or is no longer relevant. For example, when you complete a task on your to-do list, you cross it off the list. This action helps organize tasks and track progress. Understanding the “cross sth off sth meaning” will improve your ability to talk about daily activities, plans, and completed jobs in English. It is often used in both casual and formal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for language learners.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: cross something off something
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2–B2
- Short meaning: to draw a line through an item on a list to show it is done or removed
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Cross sth off sth” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between the verb and the particle or after the entire phrase.
- cross + something + off + something (e.g., cross the task off the list)
- cross off + something + (from) + something (e.g., cross off the task from the list)
Both forms are correct, but the first is more common.
How to Use “Cross sth off sth”?
Use “cross sth off sth” when talking about marking an item as completed or removed from a list. It usually involves a written or mental list of tasks, items, or names. The phrase highlights progress or removal.
Example contexts include:
- Completing chores on a checklist
- Removing names from an attendance list
- Finishing items on a shopping list
Examples
- I finally crossed the last task off my to-do list.
- She crossed off all the names of people who had RSVP’d.
- Cross the items off the shopping list as you buy them.
- We can cross off the broken chair from the repair list now.
- He crossed off the movie from his watchlist after seeing it.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I crossed the off task from the list.
Correct: I crossed the task off the list. - Incorrect: Cross something from off the list.
Correct: Cross something off the list. - Incorrect: Cross off something the list.
Correct: Cross off something from the list.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Tick off sth: Usually means to mark something with a check to show it is done. More common in British English.
- Strike sth out: Means to delete or remove something from a list or document, often by drawing a line through it.
- Remove sth from sth: A more general phrase meaning to take something away from a list or place.
The key difference is that “cross sth off sth” specifically refers to marking an item as completed or removed by drawing a line through it.
Common Collocations
- cross an item off a list
- cross a name off a list
- cross a task off a to-do list
- cross a date off the calendar
- cross a word off a paper
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of cross sth off sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Have you finished packing for the trip?
Ben: Yes, I crossed everything off my checklist.
Anna: Great! Did you cross off the charger?
Ben: Absolutely, it’s in my bag.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrasal verb:
After finishing the project, I __________ the last item __________ the list.
- a) crossed / off
- b) crossed off / from
- c) crossed off / off
FAQs
- Q: Can I use “cross sth off sth” for digital lists?
A: Yes, you can use it for both paper and digital lists. - Q: Is “cross sth off sth” formal or informal?
A: It is mostly informal but acceptable in many formal situations. - Q: Can I say “cross off sth” without the second “sth”?
A: Yes, sometimes the second object is understood and omitted. - Q: What is the difference between “cross off” and “tick off”?
A: “Cross off” means to draw a line through, while “tick off” means to mark with a check.
