Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: Be Out
Learning English phrasal verbs can be a challenge, but understanding common ones like be out is crucial for fluency. This versatile phrase pops up frequently in everyday conversation. If you want to truly grasp its various meanings and uses, you're in the right place! This post will explore what "be out" means, how to structure sentences with it, discover related phrases, and test your knowledge. Let's dive into the nuances of be out!
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What Does Be Out Mean?
The phrasal verb be out is a common expression in English with several distinct meanings, making it essential for anyone looking to learn English comprehensively. Generally, it implies unavailability, absence, or something being revealed or no longer fashionable. Understanding the context is key to interpreting its specific meaning of be out.
More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: Be on to
Structure with Be Out
The phrasal verb be out is remarkably versatile. Its meaning heavily depends on the context in which it's used. Grasping these different applications is key to using be out correctly and understanding native speakers. Let's explore some of its most common meanings with detailed structures and be out examples. Understanding how be out functions in sentences will greatly improve your English.
Meaning 1: To be absent from home or a usual place (Not present)
This is perhaps the most straightforward and frequently encountered meaning of be out. It indicates that a person (or sometimes an animal) is not currently at the location where they are normally expected to be, such as their home, workplace, or school. It implies a temporary absence.
- Structure: Subject + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Often followed by a prepositional phrase indicating duration or reason (e.g., out for lunch, out of the office, out on an errand).
- Example 1: "Sorry, Mr. Smith is out of the office right now. Can I take a message?"
- Example 2: "The children are out playing in the park, so the house is quiet."
- Further Insight: This usage often contrasts with "be in." For example, "Is she in?" "No, she is out."
Meaning 2: To be revealed or made public (of information, secrets, news)
When information, a secret, news, or a story is out, it signifies that it has become generally known, especially if it was previously confidential or known only to a few. The information is no longer private.
- Structure: Subject (often 'it', the news, the secret, the story) + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Example 1: "Once the news of their merger was out, the company's stock price soared."
- Example 2: "Be careful what you say; the word is out that they are looking for a new manager."
- Further Insight: This often implies a point of no return; once something is out, it can't easily be made secret again.
Meaning 3: To be no longer fashionable or in style (Outdated)
This meaning of be out applies to trends, clothing, hairstyles, music, ideas, or even ways of behaving that are considered old-fashioned or no longer popular. It's the opposite of "be in" (fashionable).
- Structure: Subject (the item/trend/style) + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Example 1: "Big shoulder pads are definitely out; minimalist fashion is in."
- Example 2: "That kind of thinking was out by the end of the last century."
- Further Insight: This is a common way to discuss changing social trends and tastes. When a style is out, it's often replaced by something new.
Meaning 4: To be excluded or not considered (Not included)
If someone or something is out, it means they are not part of a group, activity, plan, or consideration, often against their wishes or due to a decision made by others. It can also mean being eliminated from a competition.
- Structure: Subject + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out (often followed by of something, e.g., out of the team, out of the competition)
- Example 1: "After missing too many practices, he was out of the team."
- Example 2: "If your proposal doesn't meet the criteria, it will be out of consideration."
- Further Insight: This usage implies a sense of removal or disqualification. It can be a definitive statement meaning someone no longer has a chance.
Meaning 5: To be unconscious (Knocked out)
This specific usage of be out means to be in a state of unconsciousness, similar to being "knocked out" or in a very deep sleep from which one is not easily roused. This can be due to a physical blow, extreme tiredness, fainting, or anaesthesia.
- Structure: Subject + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Sometimes followed by an adverbial phrase like "for the count" in boxing.
- Example 1: "The boxer took a hard punch to the jaw and was out for nearly a minute."
- Example 2: "She was so exhausted after the marathon that she was out as soon as her head hit the pillow."
- Further Insight: The context, such as a sporting event or discussing extreme fatigue, usually makes this meaning of be out clear.
Meaning 6: To be available or released (of a product, book, film)
When a new product like a book, film, album, software, or gadget is out, it signifies that it has been officially released and is now available for the public to purchase, view, or use. This is a very positive and common use of be out in contemporary English.
- Structure: Subject (the product/book/film) + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Example 1: "The author's new novel is out next Tuesday, and I've already pre-ordered it!"
- Example 2: "Have you seen the trailer? The next installment of the game series is out soon."
- Further Insight: This usage is heavily associated with marketing and consumer culture. Fans often eagerly await when a new item is out.
Meaning 7: To be incorrect or mistaken (in calculations, estimations)
If a calculation, measurement, estimate, or prediction is out, it means it is wrong or inaccurate, often by a specified amount or degree.
- Structure: Subject (the calculation/amount/estimate) + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out (often followed by by an amount or by a margin)
- Example 1: "I rechecked the figures, and my initial sum was out by $50."
- Example 2: "The weather forecast was out again; it said sunny, but it's pouring rain."
- Further Insight: This implies a deviation from the correct or expected value. It's a common way to discuss errors in numerical contexts when something is out of alignment with reality.
Meaning 8: For a flower to be in bloom
When flowers are out, it means they have opened and are in bloom. This is a more poetic or descriptive use of be out.
- Structure: Subject (flowers, specific type of flower) + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Example 1: "The roses in the garden are finally out, and they look beautiful."
- Example 2: "It's spring, and the daffodils are out everywhere."
- Further Insight: This usage connects to the idea of something emerging or becoming visible, often signaling a change in season.
Meaning 9: For a fire or light to be extinguished
If a fire, candle, or light is out, it means it is no longer burning or shining; it has been extinguished.
- Structure: Subject (fire, light, candle) + be (is/am/are/was/were) + out
- Example 1: "Make sure the campfire is out completely before you leave the campsite."
- Example 2: "Suddenly, all the lights in the building were out."
- Further Insight: This contrasts with "be on" for lights or "be lit" for fires. When a light is out, it can create darkness or signal a problem.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb Be on: Meanings and Usage
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Understanding synonyms can greatly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension of phrasal verbs like "be out". Here are some related words and phrases relevant to its main meanings:
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Absent | Not present in a place where one is expected | Mark was absent from school today. |
| Revealed | Made known to others | The secret was finally revealed. |
| Outdated | No longer modern or fashionable | Their technology is completely outdated. |
| Released | Made available to the public | The new album will be released next week. |
| Unconscious | In a state like sleep, due to injury or illness | After the accident, he was unconscious for hours. |
More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: Be Off Of
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of be out!
Question 1: Which sentence best uses "be out" to mean "absent from a usual place"? a) The news about the scandal will be out tomorrow.
b) My boss is out for the week on vacation.
c) That style of hat is completely out.
d) The calculations for the budget are out by a thousand dollars.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The secret about their surprise party is out!" In this sentence, "is out" means: a) Is unfashionable
b) Is unconscious
c) Has been revealed
d) Is unavailable
Correct answer: c
Question 3: If a new movie "is out," it means it: a) Is incorrect
b) Has been released and is available
c) Is no longer fashionable
d) Is excluded
Correct answer: b
Question 4: "My initial prediction for the score was out by two goals." Here, "was out" signifies: a) The prediction was absent
b) The prediction was unconscious
c) The prediction was made public
d) The prediction was incorrect
Correct answer: d
Conclusion
Learning and understanding the phrasal verb be out significantly enriches your English communication skills. Recognizing its various meanings—from absence and revelation to being unfashionable or incorrect—allows for more precise and natural expression. Keep practicing its different structures and contexts to master this common and useful phrasal verb. Consistent use will build your confidence and fluency.