0
Tinanam0102 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Generators that run off food waste, shredded documents...

Hi teachers,

I have asked this question about "run off" before. I read from some book: Cars run on gasoline. I don't understand why one is "run off" and the other one "run on". "on" and "off" all have the "by means of" meanings. Would you please tell me the difference? Thanks

US military headquarters in Baghdad used generators that run off food waste, shredded documents and ammunition wrappers.

Regards,

TN
  

Top answer

Although the intent is the same, 'run on' simply names the fuel, while 'run off' names the fuel source, which may have to go through a considerable process to become fuel. For example, those Baghdad generators may run off food waste, but they run on the methane (I suppose) which is created by processing that waste. At least, that's how I see the cases you have presented.

— Mister Micawber

  • Although the intent is the same, 'run on' simply names the fuel, while 'run off' names the fuel source, which may have to go through a considerable process to become fuel.
  • For example, those Baghdad generators may run off food waste, but they run on the methane (I suppose) which is created by processing that waste.
  • At least, that's how I see the cases you have presented.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
Although the intent is the same, 'run on' simply names the fuel, while 'run off' names the fuel source, which may have to go through a considerable process to become fuel. For example, those Baghdad generators may run off food waste, but they run on the methane (I suppose) which is created by processing that waste.

At least, that's how I see the cases you have presented.
0
0
Dear Mister Micawber,

Thank you for help to solve my trouble. Just check my understanding, could I say "these pedometers run on battery cells"?

Thanks again,

Regards,

Tinanam
0
0
That's OK, but we usually say 'these pedometers are battery-operated'.
0
0
Dear Mister Micawber,

Thank you so much. Have a lovely afternoon.

Regards,

TN
0

Related Questions