What are the definitions of “mark out for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Show promise for the future.
His dedication MARKED him OUT FOR great things.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mark out for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mark out for is to show promise or potential for the future. It is often used to describe someone who is expected to achieve great things or be successful due to their abilities, dedication, or hard work.
What are the different verb forms of “mark out for”?
| Root Verb | mark out for |
| Third Person Singular Present | marks out for |
| Present Participle | marking out for |
| Simple Past | marked out for |
| Past Participle | marked out for |
Example
Her intelligence and creativity mark her out for a successful career in design.
Example
His leadership skills mark him out for a management position.
Example
Her excellent performance is marking her out for a promotion.
Example
He was marked out for greatness from a young age.
Example
She has always been marked out for success in her field.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mark out for”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“mark out for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
Her dedication marked her out for great things.
Example
His talent marked him out for a bright future in sports.
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
“mark out for” 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
Her dedication marked her out for great things.
Example
His talent marked him out for a bright future in sports.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mark out for”?
Mark out for attention
To identify or single out someone or something as deserving special attention or focus.
Example
The teacher marked the student out for attention due to his exceptional skills.
Mark out for praise
To single out someone or something as deserving praise or recognition.
Example
The manager marked her out for praise during the team meeting.
Mark out for criticism
To single out someone or something as deserving criticism or negative feedback.
Example
The report marked the company out for criticism due to its poor environmental practices.
Good things to know
Does “mark out for” have an informal or formal tone?
Mark out for 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 settings such as business meetings, academic discussions, or professional evaluations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “mark out for”?
Synonyms
- distinguish
- designate
- identify
- single out
- set apart
- select
