Victorycountry Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
cut it off
Hi,
I am just wondering whether all these 'off' 'up' 'down' etc (adverbs) after 'verbs' or 'verb + object 's are indicating directions of actions.
Examples,
(1) Do you want me to cut it (e.g. A4 papers, passport photos) up for you?
/*
Here, would you be able to say without 'up'? and also what's difference between 'cut it off' and 'cut it up'?
*/
(2) Can you open the image up?
/*
Here, native speakers as far as I notice they are more likely to say like this instead of just 'open' or 'close'. (e.g. 'open it up' or 'close it down')
So on a plane, when you need to put something into the cabinet, is it correct say ' can you open down the cabinet? Because I can't reach it', or do you still say 'open it up'?
*/
(3) I'll finish up the assignment by next week <=> I'll finish off the assignment by next week
/*
Here, are they interchangeable? or is there any difference in the meaning here?
*/
Thanks in advance.
I am just wondering whether all these 'off' 'up' 'down' etc (adverbs) after 'verbs' or 'verb + object 's are indicating directions of actions.
Examples,
(1) Do you want me to cut it (e.g. A4 papers, passport photos) up for you?
/*
Here, would you be able to say without 'up'? and also what's difference between 'cut it off' and 'cut it up'?
*/
(2) Can you open the image up?
/*
Here, native speakers as far as I notice they are more likely to say like this instead of just 'open' or 'close'. (e.g. 'open it up' or 'close it down')
So on a plane, when you need to put something into the cabinet, is it correct say ' can you open down the cabinet? Because I can't reach it', or do you still say 'open it up'?
*/
(3) I'll finish up the assignment by next week <=> I'll finish off the assignment by next week
/*
Here, are they interchangeable? or is there any difference in the meaning here?
*/
Thanks in advance.
Top answer
These things rarely relate to physical direction. 1. cut it - fairly neutral about the type of cutting cut it up - cut into several pieces cut it off - cut one part away from the rest 2) not related to physical direction.
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These things rarely relate to physical direction.
1. cut it - fairly neutral about the type of cutting
cut it up - cut into several pieces
cut it off - cut one part away from the rest
2) not related to physical direction. You open or open up. You don't open down.
3) Same meaning. Probably. I suppose finish up could mean that may or may not have started
1. cut it - fairly neutral about the type of cutting
cut it up - cut into several pieces
cut it off - cut one part away from the rest
2) not related to physical direction. You open or open up. You don't open down.
3) Same meaning. Probably. I suppose finish up could mean that may or may not have started
00
off can indicate detachment or separation of a smaller part from a larger body.
The leaves fell off the trees.
There was a thread hanging from my shirt cuff, so I cut it off.
The perfume gives off a sweet smell.
The wheels fell off the wagon.
I popped the cap off the bottle.
With verbs of separating, up can indicate multiple, repetitive
The leaves fell off the trees.
There was a thread hanging from my shirt cuff, so I cut it off.
The perfume gives off a sweet smell.
The wheels fell off the wagon.
I popped the cap off the bottle.
With verbs of separating, up can indicate multiple, repetitive
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finish up - put the final touches on
finish off an assignment - put a bullet through its ugly head? - This sounds a little strange to me.
(finish off can mean kill, particularly a person or animal which is already fatally wounded.
finish off an assignment - put a bullet through its ugly head? - This sounds a little strange to me.
(finish off can mean kill, particularly a person or animal which is already fatally wounded.
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