1 B1 neutral
To check off items on a list or record as they are completed or accounted for.
"As each guest arrived, the host marked their name off the list."
separable
mark off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To check off items on a list as they are completed; or to separate or indicate an area by drawing lines or placing markers.
In plain English
Put a mark next to something on a list to show it is done; use lines to separate an area.
What does "mark off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To separate or define an area by placing markers, lines, or boundaries.
"Workers marked off the construction zone with orange cones and tape."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make a mark that sets something apart — the meaning is quite transparent.
Actually means
Put a mark next to something on a list to show it is done; use lines to separate an area.
Usage tip
Common in both everyday and official contexts. The 'boundary' sense is common in surveying, sports, and construction. The 'check off' sense is universally understood.
Words that pair with "mark off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
list items names area boundary section
How to conjugate "mark off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
mark off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
marks off
he/she/it
Past simple
marked off
yesterday
Past participle
marked off
have + pp
-ing form
marking off
continuous
Hear "mark off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "mark off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "mark off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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