Lesson

Phrasal verbs 3 - out

Out particle variations

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Phrasal Verbs with 'out' — Introduction

Phrasal verbs with the particle 'out' are common in business English. They can change the meaning of a base verb and are often used in reports, meetings, and conversations. 'Out' can indicate completion, removal, distribution, discovery, or separation depending on the verb.

  • Many 'out' phrasal verbs are separable (object can go between verb and particle).
  • 'Out' often suggests something finished (carry out), distributed (hand out), or discovered (find out).
  • Learn common patterns and meanings to use them confidently in professional contexts.

Table

Common Phrasal Verbs with 'out'

Phrasal verb Meaning Example
carry out perform, complete (a task or plan) The team carried out the audit last month.
find out discover information We found out the root cause after testing.
hand out distribute (documents, samples) Please hand out the agenda before the meeting.
run out (of) have no more left We've run out of printer paper.
sort out resolve or organize She sorted out the billing issue quickly.
point out draw attention to something He pointed out a discrepancy in the figures.
work out calculate or develop a solution They worked out a realistic timeline for the project.
opt out choose not to participate Several suppliers opted out of the pilot program.

Tip

Key Rule: Separable vs. Inseparable

Understand where to place the object and how to form the phrasal verb:

  • Many 'out' phrasal verbs are separable: you can place a direct object between verb and 'out' (e.g., 'hand the reports out') or after the particle ('hand out the reports').
  • If the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and 'out' (e.g., 'hand them out', NOT 'hand out them').
  • Some phrasal verbs are inseparable and the particle must stay together with the verb (learn each verb’s pattern).

When unsure, use the object after the particle (e.g., 'hand out the documents') — it's always correct.

Example

Examples in context

The project manager carried out the feasibility study last quarter.

We found out about the delay during the conference call.

Please hand out the training materials to all attendees.

If we run out of toner, the printing will stop.

Tip

Common Mistakes with 'out' Phrasal Verbs

Watch for these universal errors when using 'out' phrasal verbs:

  • Separability errors: placing pronouns after the particle (wrong: 'hand out them') instead of between the verb and 'out' ('hand them out').
  • Confusing related particles: mixing 'out' with other particles (e.g., saying 'run off' when you mean 'run out').
  • Incorrect prepositions: using 'out' without needed prepositions (wrong: 'run out paper' vs correct 'run out of paper').
  • Overliteral verb translation: translating verb and particle separately can change the meaning (phrasal verbs are idiomatic).

When uncertain, check a reliable dictionary for separability and exact meaning.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about which preposition commonly follows 'run' when indicating origin or lack.

Quiz

Complete: We need to _____ the client feedback before the meeting.

Hint: Think of a phrasal verb meaning 'resolve' or 'organize'.

Quiz

Which sentence means 'to discover information'?

Hint: Focus on the verb that commonly means 'discover' or 'learn'.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

carry out

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //ˈkæri aʊt//

to perform or complete a task or process

The consultant carried out the market analysis.

Vocabulary

find out

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //faɪnd aʊt//

to discover information or become aware of something

We found out the new policy yesterday.

Vocabulary

hand out

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //hænd aʊt//

to distribute items to a group of people

She handed out the brochures at the entrance.

Vocabulary

run out (of)

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //rʌn aʊt (əv)//

to have no more of something

We ran out of coffee during the event.

Vocabulary

sort out

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //sɔːrt aʊt//

to resolve a problem or organize things

He sorted out the client's invoice discrepancy.

Vocabulary

point out

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //pɔɪnt aʊt//

to draw attention to or indicate something

She pointed out the missing figures in the report.

Vocabulary

work out

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //wɜːrk aʊt//

to calculate, plan, or develop a solution

They worked out the budget for next year.