take off
BothSense-dependent: some meanings take an object and split, others take none. Check the sense you mean.
How to say it
Stress the particle, not the verb: take OFF. Saying “TAKE off” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.
Link across the gap. The final /k/ of “take” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “take off” is said “ta-koff”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.
Verb vs noun
As a noun the stress flips to the front: the verb is take OFF, the noun is TAKEOFF. Same two words, different beat — “to take OFF” is the action, “a takeoff” is the thing. Getting this backwards makes the sentence land oddly even when every sound is right.
4 meanings
- 1
(Of an aircraft) to leave the ground.
- “The plane took off on time despite the rain.”
- “We take off at 6:40.”
Similar: depart, lift off
- 2
To remove an item of clothing.
- “Take off your shoes at the door.”
- “He took his jacket off and hung it up.”
Similar: remove
- 3
To become successful very quickly.
- “The app really took off after the review.”
Similar: succeed, catch on
- 4
To leave suddenly.
informal- “She took off without saying goodbye.”
Similar: depart