To Give Off – Meaning and Examples
Many things around us produce something we can sense. A flower produces a smell, a lamp produces light, and a person can produce a certain feeling. In English, we say these things to give off something. This is a very useful idiom for daily description.
What Does “To Give Off” Mean?
“To give off” means to produce and send out something that can be sensed. This could be a smell, light, heat, or even a feeling or vibe. Think of it like a candle that gives off light and warmth. It is about emitting something from a source.
When to Use It
You can use this idiom to talk about smells from food or flowers. Use it to describe the light from a screen or the heat from an engine. You can also use it to describe the feeling a person creates. It is a neutral phrase, perfect for any situation.
Example Sentences
- That perfume gives off a very strong smell.
- The old radiator gives off a lot of heat.
- She gives off a very confident and friendly vibe.
- The chemical reaction gave off a strange gas.
Mini Dialogue
Leo: “What’s that amazing smell in the kitchen?”
Chloe: “The bread in the oven. It’s giving off that wonderful aroma.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, “give off” is for things that are emitted or produced, like energy or a feeling. It is not for physically handing an object to someone.
❌ Don’t say: “Can you give off me the salt?” (Use “give” instead).
✅ Do say: “The new paint gives off a funny odor.”
Practice Tip
Look around you right now. What is giving off light or heat? Say a sentence about it, like “My laptop is giving off light.” This will help you remember the idiom.
Final Note
You now know how to use “to give off” for smells, light, heat, and feelings. It’s a simple and descriptive phrase that makes your English more vivid. Try using it to describe the world around you, and you’ll sound like a native speaker!
