What does the phrasal verb “filter out” mean?

What are the definitions of “filter out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Remove something unwanted.

  It FILTERS OUT all the impurities and chemicals in tap water so that it tastes better.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb filter out is to remove something unwanted, such as impurities, contaminants, or unnecessary information. This can be used in various contexts, such as cleaning water, refining data, or eliminating noise.

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

Root Verb	filter out
Third Person Singular Present	filters out
Present Participle	filtering out
Simple Past	filtered out
Past Participle	filtered out

Example

This machine can filter out harmful particles from the air.

Example

The software filters out spam emails from your inbox.

Example

The water purifier is filtering out the contaminants before we drink it.

Example

The noise-cancelling headphones filtered out the background noise.

Example

The unwanted data was filtered out during the analysis.

What kind of phrasal verb is “filter out”?

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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

“filter 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 air purifier filters out dust and allergens.

Example

The software filters out unwanted information.

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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

“filter 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 air purifier filters out dust and allergens.

Example

The software filters out unwanted information.

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

Filter out noise

Remove or reduce unwanted background noise or interference.

Example

These headphones can filter out noise, making it easier to focus on your work.

Filter out spam

Remove or block unwanted or unsolicited emails.

Example

The email service filters out spam, keeping your inbox clean.

Filter out contaminants

Remove impurities or harmful substances from a substance, such as water or air.

Example

The air purifier filters out contaminants, providing clean air to breathe.

Good things to know

Does “filter out” have an informal or formal tone?

Filter out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in technical or scientific discussions.

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

Synonyms

• remove
• eliminate
• exclude
• purge
• eradicate
• separate
• screen out
• sift out

Antonyms

• include
• retain
• keep
• allow
• accept
• admit
• preserve
• add