What are the definitions of “dry out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop drinking or taking drugs when addicted.
He checked into a clinic to DRY OUT after being arrested for drink - driving.
- 2Dry something fully.
They DRIED the fruit OUT in the sun.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dry out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dry out is to remove all the moisture from something or to become completely dry. For example, it can mean drying clothes after washing them or drying fruits in the sun.
What are the different verb forms of “dry out”?
| Root Verb | dry out |
| Third Person Singular Present | dries out |
| Present Participle | drying out |
| Simple Past | dried out |
| Past Participle | dried out |
Example
I always dry out my clothes on the balcony.
Example
She dries out her hair with a towel after showering.
Example
He is drying out the wet clothes on the clothesline.
Example
Yesterday, they dried out the fruits in the sun.
Example
The clothes have dried out after hanging outside all day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dry 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
“dry 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 dried out her hair with a towel.
Example
He dried the clothes out on the clothesline.
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
“dry 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 dried out her hair with a towel.
Example
He dried the clothes out on the clothesline.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dry out”?
Good things to know
Does “dry out” have an informal or formal tone?
Dry 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.
