1 B2 neutral
To mark an item on a list as completed or accounted for.
"She chalked off each task as she finished it during the busy shift."
separable
chalk off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To mark something off a list, or to mark out a physical area using chalk.
In plain English
To check something off a list, or to draw chalk lines around an area to show its boundaries.
What does "chalk off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To mark out the boundaries of a physical area using chalk lines.
"The groundskeeper chalked off the penalty area before the match."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To mark something off with chalk — either a checkmark on a list or lines on a surface.
Actually means
To check something off a list, or to draw chalk lines around an area to show its boundaries.
Usage tip
Has two distinct uses: (1) marking items as complete on a list, and (2) marking out physical spaces or boundaries with chalk lines. Primarily British English. Less common than 'tick off' or 'mark off'.
Words that pair with "chalk off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
area space item task pitch court list
How to conjugate "chalk off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chalk off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chalks off
he/she/it
Past simple
chalked off
yesterday
Past participle
chalked off
have + pp
-ing form
chalking off
continuous
Hear "chalk off" in the wild
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