What are the definitions of “put out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Broadcast.
Several charities PUT OUT an appeal on TV for money for the victims of the flooding in Mozambique.
- 2Disturb or trouble someone.
Would it be PUTTING you OUT greatly if I asked to change to another day.
- 3Extinguish a cigarette, fire, etc..
He PUT OUT his cigarette before entering the building.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put out is to extinguish a fire, a cigarette, or any other source of flame or heat. It means to stop the fire or heat from burning or producing smoke.
What are the different verb forms of “put out”?
| Root Verb | put out |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts out |
| Present Participle | putting out |
| Simple Past | put out |
| Past Participle | put out |
Example
Please put out your cigarette before entering the building.
Example
She puts out the campfire before going to sleep.
Example
He is putting out the candles on the table.
Example
Yesterday, they put out the fire in the fireplace.
Example
The fire was put out by the firefighters.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put 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.)
Transitive verb
“put out” 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
She put out the candle.
Example
He put the fire out in the fireplace.
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
“put 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
She put out the candle.
Example
He put the fire out in the fireplace.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put out”?
Put out a broadcast
To make a public announcement or appeal, usually through television, radio, or other media.
Example
The charity put out an appeal on TV for donations to help the flood victims.
Put someone out
To cause inconvenience or trouble to someone.
Example
I hope I'm not putting you out by asking for a ride to the airport.
Put out feelers
To gather information or opinions indirectly or discreetly.
Example
Before making a decision, she put out feelers to see how her colleagues felt about the new project.
Good things to know
Does “put out” have an informal or formal tone?
Put out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “put out”?
Synonyms
- extinguish
- douse
- broadcast
- announce
- bother
- quench
- snuff out
- suppress
- inconvenience
- trouble
Antonyms
- convenience
- comfort
- ease
- ignite
- light
- kindle
- start
