What are the definitions of “contract out of”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Formally leave and agreement.
I CONTRACTED OUT OF the deal years ago.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb contract out of is to formally leave or withdraw from an agreement, contract, or deal. It means that someone decides to end their involvement in a specific agreement.

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

Root Verb	contract out of
Third Person Singular Present	contracts out of
Present Participle	contracting out of
Simple Past	contracted out of
Past Participle	contracted out of

Example

She decided to contract out of the partnership.

Example

He contracts out of the lease agreement.

Example

They are contracting out of the business deal.

Example

Last year, she contracted out of the joint venture.

Example

The company had contracted out of the project.

What kind of phrasal verb is “contract out of”?

📝

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

“contract out of” 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 contracted out of the partnership.

Example

He contracted out of the lease agreement.

📝

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

“contract out of” 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 contracted out of the partnership.

Example

He contracted out of the lease agreement.

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

Contract out

To hire an external company or individual to perform a specific task or service, rather than using internal resources.

Example

The company decided to contract out the cleaning services to a local business.

Contract out work

To assign work to an external party, such as a freelancer or contractor.

Example

The software development firm contracted out work to a team of remote developers.

Contract out services

To hire an external company or individual to provide a specific service.

Example

The school contracted out services for cafeteria management.

Good things to know

Does “contract out of” have an informal or formal tone?

Contract out of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business and legal settings when discussing agreements, contracts, or deals. However, it can also be used in everyday conversations when talking about personal agreements or commitments.

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

Synonyms

cancel
annul
revoke
rescind
abrogate
withdraw from
opt out of
terminate

Antonyms

join
accept
enter into
sign up for
commit to
engage in
participate in
agree to