What is out? Pronunciation and usage in English

out means . Learn how to pronounce and use out through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of out

outadverb

/aʊt/
Definition & pronunciation of out

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "out" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds like: "awt" (like the "aw" in "saw")
  • Breakdown:
    • "aw": This is the key sound. It's a broad "aw" sound, longer and deeper than the "a" in "apple." Think of the sound you make when saying "caught" or "taught."
    • "t": A simple, quick "t" sound.

Example: "I am out." (say it as "ay-awt")

The Correct Pronunciation (British English):

  • Sounds like: "oot" (like the "oo" in "boot")
  • Breakdown:
    • "oo": Produce the sound of the "oo" in “boot” or “school”.
    • "t": A simple, quick "t" sound.

Example: "I am out." (say it as "oo-t")

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "ut": This is a very common mistake! It sounds like the "u" in "up."
  • "outt": Adding an extra "t" is also incorrect.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find audio examples on:

    • Google Translate: Type "out" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/out/ (This site shows pronunciations by native speakers from different regions)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce 'out' in English"

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying "out" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "aw" or "oo" sound: Really try to get that vowel sound right.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Which English dialect are you most interested in? (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word out in English

Let's break down how to use the word "out" in English. It's a hugely versatile word with a lot of different meanings and functions. Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Movement & Location:

  • Going Away: This is probably the most common meaning.
    • "I'm going out to the store." (Leaving the house)
    • "She went out for a walk."
    • "He went out with his friends."
  • From a Place:
    • "Come out of the car."
    • "He came out of the dark."
    • "The sun is coming out." (Emerged into view)
  • Emerging:
    • "The soldiers are out on patrol." (Deployed and active)
    • "The prisoners were finally let out."

2. State & Condition:

  • Finished/Completed:
    • "The project is out of the way now." (Finished)
    • "He's out of his mind!" (Crazy, not in control)
  • Removed/Taken Away:
    • "They’ve taken the curtains out of the window." (Removed)
    • "The software is out of support." (No longer supported)
  • Not Available/Exhausted:
    • "I'm out of milk." (No more milk)
    • "She’s out of energy." (Tired)
    • "He’s out of patience." (Frustrated)

3. Expressions & Idioms:

  • To Get Out:
    • “Let’s get out of here!” (Leave)
    • "She got out of bed late."
  • To Go Out (with someone):
    • "He likes to go out with Sarah." (Spend time with someone socially)
  • To Go Out (for something):
    • "Let’s go out for dinner." (To eat at a restaurant)
  • To Be Out: (Often indicating an advantage or disadvantage)
    • “He's out!” (In a game – eliminated)
    • “She’s out on the market.” (Available for a relationship)
    • “They’re out of luck.” (They’ve had bad fortune)
  • To Be Out of the Question:
    • “It’s out of the question to raise taxes now.” (Impossible or unacceptable)
  • To Be Out for (something):
    • "He's out for revenge." (Motivated by revenge)
  • To Be Out with (something):
    • "I'm out with the truth." (Speaking frankly)

4. Adverbial Usage (Modifying Verbs):

  • Distinctly/Clearly:
    • "He was out with his feelings." (Emotionally open)
  • Specifically/Precisely:
    • "He's out about his past." (He’s revealed it)

5. With other words (often changing the meaning):

  • Output: (as in data from a computer) “The computer’s output was incorrect.”
  • Outfit: (a set of clothes) “She wore a beautiful outfit to the party.”
  • Outside: (Opposite of inside) “It’s cold outside.”

Tips for Understanding & Using "Out":

  • Context is key: The meaning of "out" always depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Consider the surrounding words: Pay attention to the verbs and nouns around "out" to help you determine its role.
  • Pay attention to common idioms: Many idioms use "out" in interesting ways.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when it comes to using "out"? (e.g., are you unsure about which meanings to use in a particular situation, or are you having trouble with specific idioms?)

Synonyms for the word out

Idioms of the word out

be out for something/to do something
to be trying to get or do something
  • I'm not out for revenge.
  • She's out for what she can get (= trying to get something for herself).
  • The company is out to capture the Canadian market.
in and out (of something)
going regularly to a place
  • He was in and out of jail for most of his life.
out and about
able to go outside again after an illness
    travelling around a place
    • We've been out and about talking to people all over the country.
    out of here
    (informal)going or leaving
    • As soon as I get my money I'm out of here!
    out of it
    sad because you are not included in something
    • We've only just moved here so we feel a little out of it.
    not aware of what is happening, usually because of drinking too much alcohol, or taking drugs
    • He looks completely out of it.

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