What does the phrasal verb “chuck out” mean?

What are the definitions of “chuck out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Dispose of something you no longer need or want.

  I CHUCKED OUT some stuff I found in the fridge that had gone bad.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chuck out is to dispose of something you no longer need or want. It can be used when talking about throwing away old or unwanted items, such as food, clothes, or other belongings.

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

Root Verb	chuck out
Third Person Singular Present	chucks out
Present Participle	chucking out
Simple Past	chucked out
Past Participle	chucked out

Example

I need to chuck out these old clothes that don't fit me anymore.

Example

She chucks out any expired food from the pantry.

Example

He is chucking out the broken toys in the playroom.

Example

Yesterday, they chucked out all the old newspapers.

Example

The spoiled food was chucked out before it could make anyone sick.

What kind of phrasal verb is “chuck 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

“chuck 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

She chucked out the old magazines.

Example

He chucked the broken chair out of the house.

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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

“chuck 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

She chucked out the old magazines.

Example

He chucked the broken chair out of the house.

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

Chuck out the baby with the bathwater

To discard something valuable along with something that is unwanted or undesirable.

Example

In their haste to modernize the company, they chucked out the baby with the bathwater, losing some of their most loyal customers.

Chuck out a lifeline

To offer help or support to someone in a difficult situation.

Example

When I was struggling with my studies, my tutor chucked out a lifeline by offering extra lessons.

Good things to know

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

Chuck out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'discard,' 'dispose of,' or 'throw away.'

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

Synonyms

• discard
• remove
• eliminate
• dispose of
• throw away
• toss out
• get rid of

Antonyms

• keep
• retain
• preserve
• maintain
• store
• save
• hold on to