Mastering Phrasal Verbs With "Out"

Phrasal verbs are those annoying combinations of words that have a whole new meaning. They can be extremely useful in expressing very specific ideas, especially since there is not always a synonym for every phrasal verb, so the only way to convey this meaning is by using a phrasal verb. Let's take a look at the phrasal verbs with the word "out."

• Act out: To perform a scene or role, often in a dramatic or theatrical context.

  • Example Sentences:

    • The actors acted out a thrilling scene from the play.

    • Sometimes children act out their favorite stories during playtime.

    • She enjoys acting out famous movie scenes with her friends.

• Back out: To withdraw from a commitment or agreement, often at the last moment.

  • Example Sentences:

    • She agreed to help with the event but then backed out at the last moment.

    • They didn't want to back out of their commitment to volunteer at the shelter.

    • If you back out now, it will be challenging to find a replacement.

• Block out: To prevent something from entering or being seen, often by obstructing or covering.

  • Example Sentences:

    • We used curtains to block out the sunlight in the morning.

    • Noise-canceling headphones can help block out distractions.

    • The tall buildings block out most of the view from our window.

• Bring out: To reveal or introduce something, often a new product or quality.

  • Example Sentences:

    • The company plans to bring out a new line of smartphones next year.

    • The chef knows how to bring out the unique flavors in each dish.

    • The speaker aims to bring out the best in the audience during the seminar.

• Carry out: To complete or perform a task, plan, or action.

  • Example Sentences:

    • The team will carry out the project according to the schedule.

    • It's essential to carry out thorough research before making decisions.

    • They were determined to carry out their plans despite the challenges.

• Check out: To examine or investigate something, often to gather information or verify details.

  • Example Sentences:

    • I need to check out these references before making a decision.

    • Let's check out that new restaurant everyone's talking about.

    • You should check out the latest updates on the website.

• Chill out: To relax or calm down, often used informally.

  • Example Sentences:

    • After a long day at work, I like to chill out with some music.

    • He needs to learn to chill out and not stress over small matters.

    • Let's find a quiet spot to chill out and relax.

• Cut out: To remove or eliminate something, often by cutting.

  • Example Sentences:

    • He decided to cut out sugary snacks from his diet to improve his health.

    • She cut out a heart shape from the paper for the craft project.

    • Cutting out unnecessary expenses helped them save money.

• Figure out: To understand or solve a problem or puzzle.

  • Example Sentences:

    • It took me a while to figure out how to use the new software.

    • Can you help me figure out the solution to this math problem?

    • They need to figure out a way to resolve their differences.

• Find out: To discover or obtain information about something.

  • Example Sentences:

    • I want to find out more about this topic before the meeting.

    • She tried to find out who left the anonymous gift on her desk.

    • We need to find out if the event has been rescheduled.

• Give out: To distribute or provide something, often to a group of people.

  • Example Sentences:

    • She gave out pamphlets at the event to inform attendees.

    • Don't give out your personal information to strangers online.

    • The teacher gave out prizes to the top performers in the class.

• Hang out: To spend time with friends or socialize casually.

  • Example Sentences:

    • We like to hang out at the coffee shop on weekends.

    • They often hang out with their friends after school.

    • Let's plan to hang out at the park this Saturday.

• Help out:

  • Example Sentences:

    • Can you help out with the preparations for the party?

    • The volunteers helped out at the local food bank over the weekend.

    • She's always willing to help out when her friends are in need.

• Hold out: To resist or endure something, often in challenging circumstances.

  • Example Sentences:

    • They held out hope for a positive outcome despite the challenges.

    • Don't hold out on us; tell us what happened!

    • He held out his hand to greet the newcomers.

• Kick out: To force someone to leave or dismiss them.

  • Example Sentences:

    • The bouncer kicked out the unruly patron from the club.

    • They had to kick out the disruptive student from the classroom.

    • The manager warned that he would kick out employees who violated the company's policies.

• Point out: To draw attention to or indicate something.

  • Example Sentences:

    • He pointed out the flaws in the design during the meeting.

    • Can you point out where the nearest restroom is?

    • She was quick to point out the importance of teamwork.

• Rule out: To eliminate or exclude something as a possibility.

  • Example Sentences:

    • The doctor ruled out any serious medical conditions after the examination.

    • Let's not rule out the possibility of reaching a compromise.

    • They ruled out using the old equipment due to safety concerns.

• Single out: To select or focus on one particular person or thing.

  • Example Sentences:

    • The teacher singled out the student for their outstanding performance.

    • It's unfair to single out one team member for the project's failure.

    • The coach decided to single out Jane as the team captain.

• Sort out: To resolve or organize a situation or problem.

  • Example Sentences:

    • Let's sort out the issues one by one to find a solution.

    • It's time to sort out your belongings and declutter your room.

    • They hired a mediator to help sort out the dispute.

• Take out: To remove or extract something from a place.

  • Example Sentences:

    • I need to take out some money from the ATM before we go.

    • They decided to take out a loan to finance their new business.

    • Let's take out the trash before it starts to smell.

• Try out: To test or experiment with something to see how it works.

  • Example:

    • "She decided to try out a new recipe for dinner."

    • Before I bought the headphones, I tried them out at the store.

    • I tried out a new gym last week to see if I like the environment.
      

Fill-in-the-Blank Practice:

• The students decided to ________ a play during the school assembly.

• She didn't want to ________ of the promise she made to her friend.

• The heavy curtains helped ________ the bright sunlight.

• The company plans to ________ a new product line next year.

• The team will ________ the project according to the project manager's instructions.

• Let's ________ the facts before making any decisions.

• After a long day at work, I like to ________ and relax.

• He decided to ________ unhealthy snacks from his diet.

• It took me a while to ________ how to solve the puzzle.

• Can you help me ________ the solution to this complex problem?

• I want to ________ more about this fascinating topic.

• The teacher ________ awards to the top students in the class.

• We like to ________ at our favorite cafe on weekends.

• The volunteers ________ at the local animal shelter every Saturday.

• Can you ________ with the preparations for the charity event?

• They held ________ hope for a positive outcome despite the odds.

• The bouncer had to ________ the troublemakers from the nightclub.

• She was quick to ________ the importance of teamwork in the project.

• The doctor had to ________ any serious medical conditions.

• Let's not ________ the possibility of resolving this peacefully.