What are the definitions of “chew out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticize someone angrily.
They CHEWED him OUT for being late.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chew out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chew out is to criticize someone angrily. It is often used when someone is upset or disappointed with another person's actions or behavior.
What are the different verb forms of “chew out”?
| Root Verb | chew out |
| Third Person Singular Present | chews out |
| Present Participle | chewing out |
| Simple Past | chewed out |
| Past Participle | chewed out |
Example
My boss chewed me out for not meeting the deadline.
Example
She chews out her kids when they don't do their homework.
Example
He is chewing out his employee for not following instructions.
Example
Yesterday, the coach chewed out the team for their poor performance.
Example
The teacher had chewed out the student for cheating on the test.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chew 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
“chew 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 manager chewed out the staff for their mistakes.
Example
She chewed him out for being late.
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
“chew 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 manager chewed out the staff for their mistakes.
Example
She chewed him out for being late.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chew out”?
Good things to know
Does “chew out” have an informal or formal tone?
Chew out is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'reprimand' or 'criticize' instead.
