What are the definitions of “drown out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be so loud that another sound cannot be heard.
The music DROWNED OUT the sound of the phone ringing.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drown out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drown out is to be so loud that another sound cannot be heard. It is often used to describe situations where one sound is much louder than another, making it difficult or impossible to hear the quieter sound.
What are the different verb forms of “drown out”?
| Root Verb | drown out |
| Third Person Singular Present | drowns out |
| Present Participle | drowning out |
| Simple Past | drowned out |
| Past Participle | drowned out |
Example
The loud music drowned out the sound of the phone ringing.
Example
The construction noise drowns out the birds singing.
Example
The thunderstorm is drowning out the sound of the television.
Example
The cheering crowd drowned out the referee's whistle.
Example
The sound of the waterfall drowned out their conversation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drown 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
“drown 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
The loud music drowned out the sound of the phone ringing.
Example
The construction noise drowns out the birds singing.
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
“drown 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 loud music drowned out the sound of the phone ringing.
Example
The construction noise drowns out the birds singing.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drown out”?
To use a louder sound, such as music or white noise, to make it difficult or impossible to hear unwanted background noises.
Example
I use a white noise machine to drown out background noise while I sleep.
Good things to know
Does “drown out” have an informal or formal tone?
Drown out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as presentations or written documents.
