How to Pronounce TAKE OFF: Stress, Linking & Natural Speech

TAKE OFF is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings — from removing clothes to planes departing. Let's master its pronunciation.

Basic Pronunciation

Stress Pattern

Stress falls on OFF:

• take = less stressed
• OFF = main stress (louder, longer)

Say: "take OFF" not "TAKE off"

Connected Speech

The /k/ at the end of "take" links to the /ɔː/ vowel in "off":

• Written: take off
• Sounds like: "tay-KOFF" /teɪˈkɔːf/

With Objects

The /eɪ/ Diphthong in "Take"

"Take" contains the diphthong /eɪ/ — the same sound as "day" and "say." Start with /e/ and glide to /ɪ/.

Multiple Meanings

1. Remove (clothing, items)

2. Depart (planes)

3. Leave quickly

4. Become successful

5. Take time off work

The Noun: TAKEOFF

As a noun (one word), the stress shifts:

Verb: take OFF /teɪk ˈɔːf/ (stress on OFF)

Noun: TAKEoff /ˈteɪkɔːf/ (stress on TAKE)

Separable Verb

TAKE OFF is separable for the "remove" meaning:

• ✅ "Take off your jacket."
• ✅ "Take your jacket off."
• ✅ "Take it off." (with pronouns, must separate)

But for "depart" meaning, it's inseparable:

• ✅ "The plane took off."
• ❌ "The plane took the runway off."

TAKE OFF vs. PUT ON

These are opposites:

Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers

1. The /eɪ/ diphthong

Don't say "tek" with a single vowel. "Take" has a diphthong that glides from /e/ to /ɪ/.

2. The aspirated /t/

The /t/ at the beginning of "take" should have aspiration (puff of air).

3. The /ɔː/ vowel

"Off" has an open back rounded vowel, not quite the Spanish "o."

Practice Sentences

1. "Take OFF your shoes." → /teɪˈkɔːf jɔːr ʃuːz/
2. "The plane took OFF." → /ðə pleɪn tʊˈkɔːf/
3. "Her business took OFF." → /hɝː ˈbɪznəs tʊˈkɔːf/
4. "Take it OFF!" → /ˈteɪkɪˈtɔːf/

Quick Summary

• Stress on OFF: take OFF
• Link /k/ to vowel: "tay-KOFF" /teɪˈkɔːf/
• Master the /eɪ/ diphthong in "take"
• Separable for "remove"; inseparable for "depart"
• Noun "takeoff" has stress on first syllable

Continue with How to pronounce PUT ON.