What are the definitions of “act out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Perform something with actions and gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
- 2Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their antisocial behaviour.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “act out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb act out is to perform something with actions and gestures, usually in a theatrical or dramatic manner. It often refers to acting out a scene, story, or situation.
What are the different verb forms of “act out”?
| Root Verb | act out |
| Third Person Singular Present | acts out |
| Present Participle | acting out |
| Simple Past | acted out |
| Past Participle | acted out |
Example
The children love to act out their favorite fairy tales.
Example
She acts out the scenes from her favorite movies.
Example
He is acting out a scene from a play in his drama class.
Example
Yesterday, they acted out a historical event for their school project.
Example
The story has been acted out by many generations of children.
What kind of phrasal verb is “act out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“act out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The students acted out a scene from Romeo and Juliet.
Example
She acted out her feelings through dance.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“act out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The students acted out a scene from Romeo and Juliet.
Example
She acted out her feelings through dance.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “act out”?
Good things to know
Does “act out” have an informal or formal tone?
Act out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as discussing theater, film, or psychology.
