What are the definitions of “empty out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Empty something completely.
I must EMPTY OUT the rubbish before I leave for work.
- 2Remove some things or everything from a container.
I EMPTIED some of the coffee OUT so I could pour more milk in.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “empty out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb empty out is to remove everything from a container or space, leaving it completely empty. This can refer to taking out the trash, cleaning a room, or emptying a container of its contents.
What are the different verb forms of “empty out”?
| Root Verb | empty out |
| Third Person Singular Present | empties out |
| Present Participle | emptying out |
| Simple Past | emptied out |
| Past Participle | emptied out |
Example
Please empty out the closet so we can paint the walls.
Example
She empties out her purse to find her keys.
Example
He is emptying out the storage room to make space for new items.
Example
Yesterday, they emptied out the garage to prepare for the yard sale.
Example
The room was emptied out before the renovation began.
What kind of phrasal verb is “empty 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
“empty 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 emptied out the drawer to find her favorite shirt.
Example
He emptied the box out to see what was inside.
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
“empty 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 emptied out the drawer to find her favorite shirt.
Example
He emptied the box out to see what was inside.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “empty out”?
Empty out one's pockets
To remove everything from one's pockets, usually to find something specific or to show that they are not carrying anything.
Example
The security guard asked him to empty out his pockets before entering the building.
Good things to know
Does “empty out” have an informal or formal tone?
Empty 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, depending on the specific context.
