What are the definitions of “bail out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Save, rescue.
The government had to BAIL OUT the airline because it was losing so much money.
- 2Remove water from something that is flooded.
The boat was leaking so they had to BAIL it OUT.
- 3Jump out of a plane because it is going to crash.
The pilot BAILED OUT when he saw that the engines had failed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bail out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bail out is to save or rescue someone or something from a difficult situation, often financially. For example, it can mean helping a company that is in financial trouble or providing assistance to someone in need.
What are the different verb forms of “bail out”?
| Root Verb | bail out |
| Third Person Singular Present | bails out |
| Present Participle | bailing out |
| Simple Past | bailed out |
| Past Participle | bailed out |
Example
The government decided to bail out the struggling bank.
Example
She always bails out her brother when he gets into trouble.
Example
They are bailing out the sinking boat to keep it afloat.
Example
He bailed out of the failing business before it was too late.
Example
The company was bailed out by a generous investor.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bail 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
“bail 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 government bailed out the failing bank.
Example
She bailed her friend out of a difficult situation.
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
“bail 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 government bailed out the failing bank.
Example
She bailed her friend out of a difficult situation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bail out”?
Good things to know
Does “bail out” have an informal or formal tone?
Bail out is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing financial matters or government interventions, it can have a more formal tone.
