Phrasal verbs "black out" vs "blank out"

Differences between black out and blank out

Black out usually means to lose consciousness or to have a temporary loss of vision, while blank out generally means to forget something suddenly or to have a mental block.

Meanings and Definitions: black out vs blank out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Black out

• 1. Fall unconscious.

  He BLACKED OUT and collapsed on the floor.

• 2. Lose light.

  Everything BLACKED OUT when the power supply failed.

Blank out

• 1. Censor text so that words cannot be read.

  The email addresses were BLANKED OUT in the documents shown to the court.

• 2. Have a temporary memory failure.

  I was so nervous in the interview that I just BLANKED OUT and couldn't answer their questions properly.

Usage Examples: black out, blank out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

black out

Example

The city blacked out during the storm.

Example

She blacks out whenever she sees blood.

blank out

Example

The company decided to blank out all the sensitive information in the report.

Example

She blanks out the names of the people involved in the case.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Black out

pass out

To lose consciousness suddenly or to faint.

Example

He passed out after drinking too much alcohol at the party.

zone out

To become unaware of one's surroundings or to stop paying attention.

Example

During the boring lecture, she started to zone out and daydream about her vacation plans.

fade to black

To end a movie or a scene by gradually darkening the screen until it becomes completely black.

Example

The movie faded to black after the main character died, leaving the audience in tears.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Blank out

draw a blank

To be unable to remember something or to have a mental block.

Example

When asked about his childhood memories, he drew a blank and couldn't recall anything specific.

forget momentarily

To forget something temporarily or for a short period of time.

Example

She forgot momentarily where she parked her car, but then remembered after retracing her steps.

lose track of

To forget or become unaware of something that was previously known or tracked.

Example

After working on the project for hours, she lost track of time and realized it was already midnight.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• fluff out
• sound out
• write out
• ask out
• rain out

Differences in black out vs blank out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: black out or blank out?

In daily conversation, people use blank out more often than black out. This is because blank out is used for more common situations such as forgetting a name or a word. Black out is less common and usually used in more serious situations such as medical emergencies or accidents. So, while both phrases are used, blank out is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of black out and blank out

Black out and blank out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of black out and blank out

The tone of black out and blank out can differ based on context. Black out often carries a more severe tone when related to medical emergencies or accidents, while blank out typically has a more lighthearted tone, especially when referring to forgetting something trivial.

black out & blank out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Black out

Synonyms

• faint
• darken
• pass out
• lose consciousness
• power outage
• power failure
• lights out

Antonyms

• illuminate
• brighten
• light up
• regain consciousness
• wake up
• power on
• restore power

Blank out

Synonyms

• censor
• redact
• omit
• hide
• conceal
• forget
• obscure
• erase
• suppress

Antonyms

• reveal
• expose
• uncover
• disclose
• remember
• recall
• retain