What are the definitions of “come out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1A secret is revealed.
The details of the scandal CAME OUT in the press and she had to resign.
- 2Be published or otherwise available to the public.
The band's new CD is COMING OUT in September.
- 3Disappear when washed.
The red wine I spilt just will not COME OUT of the carpet no matter what I try to clean it with.
- 4Let people know that you are lesbian or gay.
She CAME OUT at university and has been living with her partner, Jane, for the last couple of years.
- 5When the sun appears.
It started cloudy, but then the sun CAME OUT and we all went to the park.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come out is to be revealed or made public. This can refer to secrets, news, or information that was previously unknown or hidden. For example, it can mean that a secret is revealed, a new product is released, or a person's true feelings are exposed.
What are the different verb forms of “come out”?
| Root Verb | come out |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes out |
| Present Participle | coming out |
| Simple Past | came out |
| Past Participle | come out |
Example
The truth about the scandal finally came out.
Example
The new movie comes out next week.
Example
The sun is coming out after the rain.
Example
She came out as gay to her friends last year.
Example
The stain has come out after washing the shirt.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come 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.)
Intransitive verb
“come out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The truth finally came out.
Example
The sun came out after the rain.
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
“come 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 truth finally came out.
Example
The sun came out after the rain.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come out”?
Good things to know
Does “come out” have an informal or formal tone?
Come 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 news reports or official statements. The level of formality depends on the specific context in which it is used.
