Understanding ‘Kick off’: Definition and Usage

The phrasal verb ‘kick off’ is a versatile expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It generally means to start or begin something, often with enthusiasm or in an official capacity.

Primary Meanings:

1. To begin or start (an event, activity, or process)
2. To start a football/soccer match by kicking the ball from the center

Synonyms and Equivalent Expressions:

• Begin
• Commence
• Get underway
• Launch
• Initiate

Contextual Usage of ‘Kick off’

‘Kick off’ can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal settings. Here are some examples:

1. Informal: “Let’s kick off the party at 8 PM.”
2. Semi-formal: “The conference will kick off with a keynote speech.”
3. Formal: “The company’s fiscal year kicks off on April 1st.”

IELTS speaking practice session kicking off

Grammar Analysis

‘Kick off’ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place an object between ‘kick’ and ‘off’ or after ‘off’.

• Correct: “We’ll kick off the meeting at 9 AM.” or “We’ll kick the meeting off at 9 AM.”
• Incorrect: “We’ll kick off it at 9 AM.”

When using pronouns, always place them between ‘kick’ and ‘off’:

• Correct: “Let’s kick it off!”
• Incorrect: “Let’s kick off it!”

Applying ‘Kick off’ in IELTS

IELTS Speaking

Incorporating ‘kick off’ in your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate your command of idiomatic English. Here are some examples:

1. Question: “Can you describe a typical day in your life?”
   Answer: “My day usually kicks off with a hearty breakfast at 7 AM. This energizing start helps me tackle the challenges ahead.”

2. Question: “How do you prepare for important events?”
   Answer: “I like to kick off my preparation by creating a detailed checklist. This helps me organize my thoughts and ensures I don’t overlook any crucial details.”

IELTS Writing

In IELTS Writing, ‘kick off’ can add a dynamic flair to your essays, especially in Task 2 responses. However, use it judiciously as it’s more informal than some other alternatives.

Example:
“Many universities kick off the academic year with orientation programs. These initiatives help new students acclimate to campus life and kick-start their academic journey.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Get a kick out of (phr. v.) /ɡet ə kɪk aʊt əv/: To derive pleasure or enjoyment from something.
   Example: “I really get a kick out of learning new languages.”

2. Kick the habit (phr. v.) /kɪk ðə ˈhæbɪt/: To stop doing something that has become a habit, especially something harmful.
   Example: “It took her years to kick the habit of smoking.”

3. Kick the bucket (phr. v.) /kɪk ðə ˈbʌkɪt/: A humorous or informal way to say ‘die’.
   Example: “He wants to travel the world before he kicks the bucket.”

4. Kick back (phr. v.) /kɪk bæk/: To relax or rest.
   Example: “After a long week, I love to kick back and watch movies.”

5. Kick in (phr. v.) /kɪk ɪn/: To start to take effect.
   Example: “The pain medication should kick in within 30 minutes.”

Mind map of 'kick off' and related phrasal verbs

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The conference will __ __ with a welcome speech by the CEO.
2. We need to __ __ our fundraising campaign as soon as possible.
3. The new project __ __ next Monday.
4. Let’s __ __ the meeting with a brief introduction.
5. The football match will __ __ at 3 PM sharp.
6. We’re planning to __ __ the festival with a spectacular fireworks display.
7. The university’s academic year typically __ __ in September.
8. They decided to __ __ the event with a moment of silence.
9. The company will __ __ its new product line next quarter.
10. We’ll __ __ the brainstorming session with a quick icebreaker.

Sentence Transformation

1. The workshop begins at 9 AM.
   The workshop __ __ at 9 AM.

2. They started the celebration with a toast.
   They __ __ the celebration with a toast.

3. The concert will begin with their most popular song.
   The concert will __ __ with their most popular song.

4. We need to start the project immediately.
   We need to __ __ the project immediately.

5. The new season of the TV show starts next week.
   The new season of the TV show __ __ next week.

6. They commenced the meeting with a brief overview.
   They __ __ the meeting with a brief overview.

7. The festival will begin with a parade through the city.
   The festival will __ __ with a parade through the city.

8. We’re starting our fitness regime tomorrow.
   We’re __ __ our fitness regime tomorrow.

9. The conference began with a keynote speech.
   The conference __ __ with a keynote speech.

10. They’re initiating the new policy next month.
    They’re __ __ the new policy next month.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. kick off
2. kick off
3. kicks off
4. kick off
5. kick off
6. kick off
7. kicks off
8. kick off
9. kick off
10. kick off

Sentence Transformation:

1. kicks off
2. kicked off
3. kick off
4. kick off
5. kicks off
6. kicked off
7. kick off
8. kicking off
9. kicked off
10. kicking off

Explanation: In all these sentences, ‘kick off’ is used to mean ‘start’ or ‘begin’. The tense changes according to the context of the sentence (present, past, or future). Remember that ‘kick off’ is a separable phrasal verb, so in some cases, you could also place the object between ‘kick’ and ‘off’ (e.g., “They kicked the celebration off with a toast”).

Memory Tips

1. Visualize a football match: Picture a player kicking the ball to start the game. This image can help you remember that ‘kick off’ means to start something.

2. Create a mnemonic: “When you Kick Off, you’re Off to a great start!”

3. Use it in daily life: Try incorporating ‘kick off’ into your everyday conversations to make it a natural part of your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘kick off’ in overly formal contexts.
   Solution: While ‘kick off’ is acceptable in many situations, in very formal writing or speaking, opt for more formal alternatives like ‘commence’ or ‘initiate’.

2. Mistake: Incorrect word order with pronouns.
   Solution: Always place pronouns between ‘kick’ and ‘off’. Say “Let’s kick it off,” not “Let’s kick off it.”

3. Mistake: Overuse in IELTS Writing.
   Solution: Use ‘kick off’ sparingly in writing tasks, especially in Task 2 essays. It’s more suitable for Speaking tasks or less formal writing contexts.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘kick off’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It adds a natural, idiomatic flair to your English, particularly in speaking tasks. Remember to practice using ‘kick off’ in various contexts, and don’t forget to explore other related phrasal verbs to further enrich your vocabulary. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using these expressions naturally, helping you to achieve your desired IELTS score. So, kick off your IELTS preparation with confidence and enthusiasm!