What are the definitions of “count out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Exclude.
I don't want to go- you can COUNT me OUT.
- 2Count a certain amount of money.
He COUNTED OUT £ 250 and paid me.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “count out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb count out is to exclude someone or something from a group or activity. It means that someone or something is not considered or included in a particular situation.
What are the different verb forms of “count out”?
| Root Verb | count out |
| Third Person Singular Present | counts out |
| Present Participle | counting out |
| Simple Past | counted out |
| Past Participle | counted out |
Example
Please count me out of the game; I don't want to play.
Example
She counts out the people who don't want to participate.
Example
He is counting out the students who are absent today.
Example
They counted out the team members who were injured.
Example
The injured players were counted out of the match.
What kind of phrasal verb is “count 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
“count 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 counted out the people who didn't want to join.
Example
He counted the money out and handed it to her.
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
“count 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 counted out the people who didn't want to join.
Example
He counted the money out and handed it to her.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “count out”?
Good things to know
Does “count out” have an informal or formal tone?
Count out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
