How to use "put off"

What Does "put off" Mean?

The expression put off is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings. First, it means to delay or postpone an action or event until a later time. Second, it means to repel, discourage, or cause someone to lose interest in something (often used in the passive voice).

This expression is semi-idiomatic; while "off" suggests a distance in time or preference, the meaning isn't immediately obvious just by looking at the individual words. In terms of register, it is neutral, making it equally appropriate for casual conversation, journalism, and standard business communication.

How to Use It

Put off follows several grammatical patterns depending on its meaning:

1. Transitive (Separable): When meaning to postpone, you can place the object between the verb and the particle (put the meeting off) or after the particle (put off the meeting). If the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle (put it off).
2. Verb + Gerund: When describing a delayed action, it is followed by the -ing form (put off calling him).
3. Passive Adjective: When describing a feeling of being repelled, it is often used as be/get put off by [something].

Typical objects for the "delay" sense include decisions, meetings, tasks, or events. For the "repel" sense, it is frequently followed by the preposition by.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from put off on Ludwig.guru.

"That was put off." — economist.com

"We put off swimming." — newyorker.com

"Potential investors have been put off." — economist.com

"Exasperated, he put off completing his application." — nytimes.com

"Put off by them?" — nytimes.com

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
postpone	More formal than "put off"; used primarily in professional or official contexts.
procrastinate	Specifically refers to delaying tasks out of laziness or habit; often has a negative connotation.
deter	A formal alternative for the "repel" sense; to discourage someone from doing something.
delay	A general, neutral term for making something happen later than planned.
repulse	A much stronger alternative for being "put off" by something, implying intense disgust.

Common Mistakes

• Confusion with 'call off': Learners often confuse put off (to delay) with call off, which means to cancel entirely. If a game is put off, it happens later; if it is called off, it does not happen at all.
• Confusion with 'put out': Do not use put off in the sense of 'extinguish' a fire or light; the correct phrasal verb for that action is put out.
• Incorrect Gerund Usage: Avoid using the infinitive after the verb. Saying "I put off to go" is incorrect; you must say "I put off going."

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
put off	To postpone or to repel/discourage	Verb + (Object) + Particle or Be + Put Off + By	Neutral

FAQs

Can the parts of put off be separated or must they stay together?

The expression is separable when used with a noun object, meaning you can say put off the trip or put the trip off. However, if you use a pronoun, it must be placed between the two words, such as put it off.

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What is the difference between put off and postpone?

While both mean to move an event to a later time, postpone is more formal and typically used in business or legal settings. Put off is more versatile and can also mean to feel discouraged or repelled by something, which postpone cannot.

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Can I use put off to mean extinguishing a fire?

No, you should not use put off in the sense of 'extinguish'; that specific meaning is reserved for the phrasal verb put out. Additionally, ensure you do not confuse it with call off, which means to cancel a planned event rather than just delaying it.