What are the definitions of “clear out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted stuff..
I spent the whole weekend CLEARING OUT the attic as it was full of papers and other junk.
- 2Leave somewhere.
I told them to CLEAR OUT because they were making so much noise.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clear out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clear out is to tidy up a space thoroughly and get rid of unwanted items. It often involves organizing, cleaning, and throwing away unnecessary things. For example, you might clear out your closet, garage, or attic.
What are the different verb forms of “clear out”?
| Root Verb | clear out |
| Third Person Singular Present | clears out |
| Present Participle | clearing out |
| Simple Past | cleared out |
| Past Participle | cleared out |
Example
I need to clear out my room before the guests arrive.
Example
She clears out her wardrobe every season.
Example
He is clearing out the basement to make space for a home gym.
Example
They cleared out the storage room last week.
Example
The garage has been cleared out and is now much more organized.
What kind of phrasal verb is “clear 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
“clear 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 cleared out the clutter from her desk.
Example
He cleared the attic out over the weekend.
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
“clear 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 cleared out the clutter from her desk.
Example
He cleared the attic out over the weekend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clear out”?
Good things to know
Does “clear out” have an informal or formal tone?
Clear out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
