What are the definitions of “take it out on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Abuse someone because you're angry.
Whenever things go wrong, he always shouts and TAKES IT OUT ON me, even if I had nothing to do with the problem.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take it out on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take it out on is to express anger or frustration towards someone else, often unfairly. This usually happens when someone is upset about something unrelated to the person they are taking it out on.
What are the different verb forms of “take it out on”?
| Root Verb | take it out on |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes it out on |
| Present Participle | taking it out on |
| Simple Past | took it out on |
| Past Participle | taken it out on |
Example
When she's stressed, she tends to take it out on her friends.
Example
He always takes it out on his brother when he's upset.
Example
She is taking it out on her coworkers because of her bad day.
Example
Yesterday, he took it out on his roommate after failing the exam.
Example
She had taken it out on her family when she was stressed about work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take it out on”?
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
“take it out on” 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
He took it out on his sister when he was angry.
Example
She took it out on her friend after a bad day.
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
“take it out on” 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 took it out on his sister when he was angry.
Example
She took it out on her friend after a bad day.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take it out on”?
Take it out on someone
Expressing frustration or anger towards someone else, often unfairly.
Example
I had a bad day at work, but I shouldn't have taken it out on my family.
Good things to know
Does “take it out on” have an informal or formal tone?
Take it out on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may also be used in more formal settings depending on the specific context, but it is generally considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
