Phrasal verbs "blank out" vs "cross out"

Differences between blank out and cross out

Blank out means to forget or be unable to remember something, while cross out means to draw a line through something to indicate that it should be removed or ignored.

Meanings and Definitions: blank out vs cross out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Blank out

  • 1Censor text so that words cannot be read.

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

  • 2Have a temporary memory failure.

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

Cross out

  • 1Put as line through some writing to show it is wrong.

    She CROSSED OUT her mistakes and wrote the correct answers above them.

Usage Examples: blank out, cross out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

cross out

Example

Please cross out any incorrect information on the form.

Example

She crosses out the wrong answers and writes the correct ones.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Blank out

To be unable to remember or recall something.

Example

I'm sorry, I drew a blank when you asked me about the name of the restaurant.

To be unable to remember anything about something.

Example

I forgot completely about the meeting until my colleague reminded me.

To suddenly be unable to think or remember anything.

Example

When she saw the exam questions, her mind went blank and she couldn't answer anything.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cross out

strike through

To draw a line through something to indicate that it should be removed or ignored.

Example

I struck through the incorrect information on the form and wrote the correct details next to it.

To remove or erase something from a document or file.

Example

I accidentally deleted the entire paragraph, so I had to retype it from memory.

To indicate that something should be ignored or excluded by drawing a line around it.

Example

I marked off the items that were out of stock on the shopping list.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cross”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: blank out or cross out?

In daily conversation, people use blank out more often than cross out. This is because blank out is used to describe a common experience of forgetting something, while cross out is used less frequently in everyday conversation. Cross out is more commonly used in written communication, such as editing a document or making a to-do list.

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

Cross out is slightly more formal than blank out. Cross out is commonly used in written communication, such as editing a document or making a to-do list. Blank out is an informal phrase that is suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family.

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

The tone of blank out and cross out can differ based on context. Blank out often carries a frustrated or embarrassed tone when related to forgetting something important, while cross out typically has a practical and decisive tone, especially when referring to editing or revising a document.

blank out & cross out: Synonyms and Antonyms

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