Differences between clear out and take out
Clear out usually means to remove or get rid of things from a space, while take out generally means to remove something from a place or to go somewhere with someone and enjoy a social activity.
Meanings and Definitions: clear out vs take out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Clear out
- 1Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted stuff..
I spent the whole weekend CLEARING OUT the attic as it was full of papers and other junk.
- 2Leave somewhere.
I told them to CLEAR OUT because they were making so much noise.
Take out
- 1Borrow a library book.
I TOOK OUT all the books I needed for my essay from the library.
- 2Borrow money from a bank or other official lender.
Jackie and Anil TOOK OUT a mortgage to buy a bigger flat.
- 3Extract or remove.
The dentist TOOK OUT all of my wisdom teeth before they started causing any problems.
- 4Go out socially with someone, especially a date.
He TOOK her OUT to a restaurant last Friday night.
- 5Obtain insurance.
I TOOK OUT some health insurance before I went backpacking around Latin America.
- 6Kill, murder.
The gang TOOK him OUT after he spoke to the police.
Usage Examples: clear out, take out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
clear out
Example
I need to clear out my room before the guests arrive.
Example
She clears out her wardrobe every season.
take out
Example
I always take out the trash after dinner.
Example
She takes out the garbage every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clear out
tidy up
To clean and organize a space or area.
Example
She spent the afternoon tidying up her room and getting rid of old clothes.
declutter
To remove unnecessary items from a space to make it more organized and functional.
Example
He decided to declutter his office by getting rid of old papers and files.
To eliminate or get rid of something completely, often in a forceful or drastic way.
Example
She decided to purge her closet and donate all the clothes she no longer wore.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take out
To take something away from a place or position.
Example
He needed to remove the old carpet before installing the new one.
To remove something by pulling or taking it out.
Example
The dentist had to extract her wisdom teeth because they were causing her pain.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “clear”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Differences in clear out vs take out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: clear out or take out?
In daily conversation, people use take out more often than clear out. This is because take out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as eating out or borrowing something. Clear out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about cleaning or decluttering a space. So, while both phrases are used, take out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clear out and take out
Clear out and take 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 clear out and take out
The tone of clear out and take out can differ based on context. Clear out often carries a practical or urgent tone when related to cleaning or decluttering, while take out typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to removing objects or ordering food.
