What does the phrasal verb “cancel out” mean?

What are the definitions of “cancel out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Have an opposite effect on something that has happened, taking things back to the beginning.

  The airport taxes CANCELLED OUT the savings we had made on the flight tickets.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cancel out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cancel out is to have an opposite effect on something that has happened, taking things back to the beginning or neutralizing the effect. For example, it can mean that the positive and negative aspects of a situation balance each other, resulting in no net change.

What are the different verb forms of “cancel out”?

Root Verb	cancel out
Third Person Singular Present	cancels out
Present Participle	canceling out
Simple Past	canceled out
Past Participle	canceled out

Example

The rain canceled out the benefits of the sunny weather earlier.

Example

She cancels out the calories she consumes by exercising daily.

Example

The noise from the construction site is canceling out the peacefulness of the park.

Example

The last-minute goal canceled out the team's earlier lead.

Example

The two forces canceled out each other, resulting in no movement.

What kind of phrasal verb is “cancel out”?

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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

“cancel 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 strong wind canceled out the heat from the sun.

Example

Their hard work canceled out the disadvantages they faced.

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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

“cancel 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 strong wind canceled out the heat from the sun.

Example

Their hard work canceled out the disadvantages they faced.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cancel out”?

Cancel out noise

To reduce or eliminate unwanted sounds or background noise, often using noise-canceling technology.

Example

These headphones cancel out noise, making it easier to focus on your music or work.

Cancel out a vote

When one vote is in favor of something and another vote is against it, resulting in no net change.

Example

His vote for the proposal canceled out her vote against it, leaving the decision unresolved.

Cancel out an effect

To neutralize or counteract the impact of something, often in a scientific or mathematical context.

Example

The positive and negative charges canceled out each other, resulting in a neutral atom.

Good things to know

Does “cancel out” have an informal or formal tone?

Cancel 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 academic discussions or professional reports.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “cancel out”?

Synonyms

• neutralize
• counteract
• offset
• balance
• nullify
• counterbalance
• compensate
• even out

Antonyms

• enhance
• intensify
• amplify
• increase
• strengthen
• exacerbate
• worsen
• boost