What Does “Go off with sth” Mean?
The phrase “go off with sth” means to take something away, often without permission or secretly. It is commonly used when someone leaves a place carrying an object.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “go off with sth” is used in English to describe the action of leaving a place while taking something. “Sth” stands for “something,” and this expression often implies that the item was taken without asking or that the person simply took it along. Understanding the “go off with sth meaning” helps learners use it correctly in everyday situations, especially when talking about objects being moved or taken away. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts and can describe anything from a child taking a toy to someone stealing an item. Learning how to use this phrasal verb naturally will improve your English fluency.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: go off with something
- Type: Intransitive (with object)
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To leave a place while taking something, often secretly or without permission
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Go off with sth” is a phrasal verb where “go off” is followed by the preposition “with” and the object (“sth”). It is inseparable, meaning the object must come after “with.”
- Correct pattern: go off with + object
- Incorrect: go off + object + with
Example: She went off with my notebook. (correct)
Not: She went off my notebook with. (incorrect)
How to Use “Go off with sth”?
You use “go off with sth” when you want to say someone has taken an item and left. It often implies the action was done quickly or secretly. The phrase is common in stories, reports, or casual conversations about missing objects or someone leaving with something.
It can describe both innocent situations (a child taking a toy) and negative ones (someone stealing).
Examples
Imagine you notice your pen has disappeared.
- My little brother went off with my pen and I can’t find it anywhere.
- Someone went off with the company’s laptop last night.
- She went off with the keys without telling anyone.
- He went off with all the documents after the meeting.
- The thief went off with the jewelry before the police arrived.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition.
- Incorrect: He went off my phone with.
- Correct: He went off with my phone.
- Incorrect: She goes off something with.
- Correct: She goes off with something.
Remember, “with” must always come before the object.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “take off with,” “run off with,” and “walk off with.”
- Take off with sth: Usually implies stealing or escaping quickly.
- Run off with sth: Stronger sense of stealing or eloping with something.
- Walk off with sth: Can mean winning or stealing something casually.
“Go off with sth” is often less aggressive than “run off with” and can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.
Common Collocations
People often use “go off with” with various objects. Here are some common collocations:
- Go off with the keys – to leave carrying the keys
- Go off with the money – to take the money secretly
- Go off with the documents – to leave with papers or files
- Go off with the toy – often used when a child takes a toy
- Go off with the laptop – to take the laptop away
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of go off with sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “go off with sth”:
Anna: Have you seen my phone anywhere?
John: No, but I think Sarah went off with it after the meeting.
Anna: Really? I hope she didn’t take it by mistake.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) He went off my wallet with.
- b) He went off with my wallet.
- c) He went off the wallet with.
Answer: b) He went off with my wallet.
Fill in the blank:
She _______ off with the tickets before anyone noticed.
FAQs
- Q: Can “go off with sth” mean stealing?
A: Yes, it often implies taking something without permission.
- Q: Is “go off with sth” formal or informal?
A: It is mostly informal but can be used in formal contexts too.
- Q: Can I use “go off with” without an object?
A: No, you must include the object after “with.”
- Q: What is the difference between “go off with” and “run off with”?
A: “Run off with” usually implies stealing or escaping quickly and is stronger than “go off with.”
- Q: Is “go off with sth” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; the object goes after “with.”
