All Ears English Podcast: Episode 2425 – “Your English Will Take Off with this Phrasal Verb”
Release Date: June 12, 2025
In Episode 2425 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the versatile phrasal verb “take off.” This episode is tailored for intermediate to advanced English learners aiming to enhance their conversational skills and understanding of American English nuances. Here's a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and examples shared throughout the episode.
Introduction to the Phrasal Verb “Take Off”
The episode kicks off with Michelle Kaplan highlighting the prevalence of the phrasal verb “take off” in everyday conversations. She emphasizes its five distinct meanings and the importance of mastering its usage to improve English fluency and connection with native speakers.
Michelle Kaplan [01:00]: “Do you hear? Native speakers use the phrasal verb take off all the time? Today we tackle the five meanings of this phrasal verb and show you how you can deploy it immediately for connection.”
Exploring the Meanings of “Take Off”
Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan methodically break down each meaning, providing clear definitions and practical examples to illustrate their usage.
1. Take Off – Flight Departure
-
Meaning: Refers to an airplane becoming airborne.
-
Usage: Inseparable phrasal verb; cannot separate “take” and “off.”
Michelle Kaplan [04:01]: “So, this one is one of the most common ones. Right. So the plane takes off. So, yeah, the. What time does the plane take off?”
Example:
Lindsay McMahon [04:33]: “Yeah. I love it. What time are you taking off? I just flew last weekend over to Salt Lake City.”
2. Take Off – Taking a Break
-
Meaning: To take time off from work or daily responsibilities.
-
Usage: Separable phrasal verb; can separate “take” and “off.”
Michelle Kaplan [07:37]: “This one is to take a break. Right. So, for example, like, it’s like to take off from work. So I’m going to take off tomorrow to get my eyes checked.”
Example:
Lindsay McMahon [07:55]: “Is it okay if I take off four days next week? It’s an emergency.”
3. Take Off – Leaving in a Rush
-
Meaning: To leave a place quickly or suddenly.
-
Usage: Inseparable phrasal verb; cannot separate “take” and “off.”
Michelle Kaplan [09:02]: “Sometimes when you’re in a rush. So for example, okay, I think I’m gonna take off. It’s getting late.”
Example:
Lindsay McMahon [09:12]: “I really needed to take some time off and get a break.”
4. Take Off – Excelling Quickly
-
Meaning: To become successful or to advance rapidly.
-
Usage: Inseparable phrasal verb; cannot separate “take” and “off.”
Michelle Kaplan [12:05]: “This one is to excel quickly. So this goes back to what I asked you in the beginning. So how long did it take All Ears English to take off?”
Example:
Lindsay McMahon [12:25]: “She really took off. So she excelled quickly.”
5. Take Off – Removing Something
-
Meaning: To remove an article of clothing or an object.
-
Usage: Separable phrasal verb; can separate “take” and “off.”
Michelle Kaplan [12:46]: “This last one. This means removing something. So take your jacket off.”
Example:
Lindsay McMahon [12:48]: “Can you take that paper off the table? It looks a little messy.”
Role Play Demonstration
To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role play that naturally incorporates the various meanings of “take off.” This practical demonstration helps listeners see how the phrasal verb functions within a real conversation.
Excerpt from Role Play:
Michelle Kaplan [14:05]: “I'm so excited for you to finally go on vacation, Lindsay.”
Lindsay McMahon [14:16]: “Oh, same. I really needed to take some time off and get a break.”
Michelle Kaplan [14:21]: “You deserve it. So what time is your flight taking off?”
Lindsay McMahon [14:24]: “4 PM, so I'll probably try to leave at 1:30.”
Michelle Kaplan [14:34]: “Do you still have to take off your shoes to get through security?”
Lindsay McMahon [14:40]: “Yeah, so. Wow, you're right. That would take up way too much time. Thanks for the reminder.”
Michelle Kaplan [14:47]: “I'm glad you have some time for lunch still. I thought you were gonna have to take off right when we got our food.”
Lindsay McMahon [14:51]: “I have time. So I can't wait to hear about how your business is taking off.”
Michelle Kaplan [14:54]: “Yes. Finally, things are getting moving.”
This dialogue encapsulates the different contexts in which “take off” can be used, from scheduling flights to discussing business success.
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
As the episode concludes, the hosts reinforce the significance of mastering phrasal verbs like “take off” for effective communication and human connection. They encourage listeners to actively incorporate these verbs into their daily conversations to enhance fluency and build relationships.
Lindsay McMahon [17:57]: “It's a key phrasal verb. So, guys, the phrasal verb take off, try to take one of these meanings and use it today.”
Michelle Kaplan [18:28]: “So, Lindsay, I hope that when you go on your trip, your flight, to take off on time.”
Furthermore, both hosts reiterate their podcast philosophy:
Lindsay McMahon [19:10]: “And remember, the goal is always human connection. So, if you mess it up, the person’s going to understand that you're trying to connect with them. That’s what we're doing. Connection, not perfection.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 2425 of the All Ears English Podcast provides an insightful and practical exploration of the phrasal verb “take off,” illustrating its multifaceted uses in everyday English. Through clear definitions, relatable examples, and engaging role plays, Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan equip listeners with the tools to confidently incorporate this versatile verb into their language repertoire. Embracing their philosophy of “connection, not perfection,” listeners are encouraged to practice fearlessly, enhancing both their linguistic skills and their ability to connect with others.
For those eager to expand their English proficiency, this episode is a valuable resource that underscores the dynamic nature of phrasal verbs and their pivotal role in fluent, natural communication.