What are the definitions of “be out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be absent from a place.
She IS OUT on a visit for the day.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be out is to be absent from a place, usually for a short period of time. It means that someone is not at their usual location, such as their home or workplace.
What are the different verb forms of “be out”?
| Root Verb | be out |
| Third Person Singular Present | is out |
| Present Participle | being out |
| Simple Past | was out |
| Past Participle | been out |
Example
When I arrived at his office, he was out for lunch.
Example
She is out shopping with her friends.
Example
He enjoys being out in nature on weekends.
Example
Yesterday, she was out all day for a conference.
Example
They have been out of town for a week.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“be out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He is out for a walk.
Example
She was out when I called her.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“be out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He is out for a walk.
Example
She was out when I called her.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be out”?
Be out of something
To have no more of a particular item or resource.
Example
We are out of milk; I need to go to the store.
Be out of order
Not working properly or not functioning.
Example
The elevator is out of order, so we have to use the stairs.
Be out of touch
Not having recent knowledge or information about something or someone.
Example
I've been out of touch with my college friends for years.
Good things to know
Does “be out” have an informal or formal tone?
Be out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the specific context.
