Understanding the English Phrasal Verb 'Come out of': Meanings & Usage

Welcome, English learners! Today, we're diving into the versatile phrasal verb 'Come out of'. Understanding English phrasal verbs like this one is crucial for mastering idiomatic English and sounding more natural. This particular verb phrase can seem tricky due to its multiple meanings, but don't worry! By the end of this post, you'll have a clearer grasp of how to use 'Come out of' correctly and confidently. We'll explore its different meanings, examine its sentence structures, look at useful synonyms, and test your knowledge with some practice questions. Let's get started on enhancing your English vocabulary and understanding of common idiomatic expressions!

Table of Contents

• What Does Come out of Mean?
• Structure with Come out of
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does Come out of Mean?

The phrasal verb 'Come out of' is a common expression in English that can change its meaning significantly based on context. It generally involves the idea of something emerging, resulting, or being produced from a source, place, or situation. Grasping these different applications is essential for using this verb phrase effectively in your conversations and writing.

More: Come Out: Understanding the Phrasal Verb with Examples

Structure with Come out of

Understanding how to structure sentences with 'Come out of' is key to using it correctly. This phrasal verb is transitive and separable in some contexts, but most commonly, the 'out of' part stays together, followed by a noun or noun phrase. Let's explore its main meanings and their typical structures.

Meaning 1: To Emerge or Exit Physically

This is one of the most straightforward uses of 'come out of'. It refers to the physical act of leaving or emerging from an enclosed space, a building, a vehicle, or any defined area. Think of it as moving from inside something to outside. This meaning is very visual and easy to understand when you encounter it. It emphasizes the transition from being within a boundary to being outside of it.

Structure: Subject + come out of + [a place/container/object]

Examples:

1. The children were excited to come out of the school building when the bell rang.
2. A tiny kitten cautiously came out of the cardboard box.

Meaning 2: To Result From or Be a Consequence Of

Another significant meaning of 'come out of' is to indicate that something is the result or consequence of a previous action, situation, event, or process. In this sense, 'come out of' helps to explain the origin or cause of a particular outcome. It's often used to discuss the effects or products of discussions, efforts, or experiences. When you see 'come out of' used this way, look for the preceding event that led to the current state or item.

Structure: Subject (the result) + come out of + [a situation/event/cause/process]

Examples:

1. Many important decisions came out of the long meeting we had yesterday.
2. His newfound confidence came out of successfully completing the challenging project.

Meaning 3: For Words or Sounds to Be Said or Uttered

This usage of 'come out of' refers to words, sounds, or utterances being produced or spoken, typically by a person. It focuses on the act of verbal expression or the emission of sound. It can be used for intentional speech as well as involuntary sounds. This meaning emphasizes the source of the sound or words.

Structure: [Words/Sound] + come out of + [person's mouth/a source]

Examples:

1. A gasp of surprise came out of her when she saw the unexpected gift.
2. No coherent words came out of him; he was too shocked to speak clearly.

Meaning 4: To Stop Being in a Particular State or Situation (Often Difficult)

'Come out of' can also mean to emerge from a particular state, condition, or period, often implying that the state was difficult, challenging, or undesirable. It suggests a transition to a different, often better, state. This usage frequently highlights the successful navigation or conclusion of a phase, like an illness, a financial hardship, or an emotional struggle. The focus is on the transformation or survival through that period.

Structure: Subject + come out of + [a state/situation/period] + (often with an adjective/adverbial phrase describing the new state)

Examples:

1. The country is slowly coming out of the economic recession, with signs of growth appearing.
2. She came out of the challenging experience much stronger and more resilient.

Learning these different meanings and structures will greatly improve your ability to understand and use the phrasal verb 'Come out of' in various contexts. Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine which meaning is intended.

More: Mastering 'Come Off': Meanings, Usage, and Examples

Related Phrases and Synonyms

While 'Come out of' is a versatile phrasal verb, there are other words and phrases in English that can convey similar meanings, depending on the context. Understanding these synonyms can enrich your vocabulary and provide alternatives when writing or speaking. Below is a table of synonyms, their meanings, and example sentences relevant to the primary meanings of 'Come out of'.

These synonyms are useful, but remember that phrasal verbs like 'Come out of' often carry specific nuances that single-word verbs might not fully capture. The choice of word depends on the precise meaning and emphasis you wish to convey.

More: Come Into: Understanding the Phrasal Verb's Meanings and Usage

Practice Time!

Now that you've learned about the different meanings and structures of 'Come out of', let's test your understanding with a few multiple-choice questions. Choose the best option for each sentence.

Question 1: Which sentence best uses "come out of" to mean 'to emerge from a physical place'? a) Good ideas often come out of brainstorming sessions.

b) The small bird cautiously came out of its nest.

c) She came out of the illness with a new perspective on life.

d) Not a single complaint came out of the satisfied customers.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: Complete the sentence: "A sigh of relief ______ him when he finally submitted his thesis after months of hard work." a) came over

b) came out of

c) came through

d) came by

Correct answer: b

Question 3: "The innovative solution to the problem ______ a collaborative workshop involving all team members." Which phrase best fits the blank to show that the solution was a result of the workshop? a) came up with

b) came over to

c) came out of

d) came across as

Correct answer: c

Question 4: The business analyst predicted that the company would ______ the financial downturn more competitive than ever. a) come out from

b) come out of

c) come through in

d) come into with

Correct answer: b

How did you do? Practicing with examples like these is a great way to solidify your understanding of English phrasal verbs and how they are used in different contexts. Keep up the good work!

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like 'Come out of' significantly enhances your fluency and understanding of natural, everyday English. As we've explored, 'Come out of' is a highly versatile phrasal verb with several important meanings, primarily related to emerging from a place, resulting from a situation, being uttered, or transitioning out of a state. By understanding its various structures and contexts, and by actively practicing its usage, you can confidently incorporate this valuable phrasal verb into your vocabulary. Continue to listen for it in conversations, read it in texts, and don't be afraid to use it yourself. Your English skills will undoubtedly flourish as a result!