What are the definitions of “flesh out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Add more details or information.
The recent government report FLESHED OUT the draft proposals.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flesh out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flesh out is to add more details or information to something, such as a plan, idea, or story. It is often used when you want to make something more complete or comprehensive.
What are the different verb forms of “flesh out”?
| Root Verb | flesh out |
| Third Person Singular Present | fleshes out |
| Present Participle | fleshing out |
| Simple Past | fleshed out |
| Past Participle | fleshed out |
Example
The writer needs to flesh out the characters in the story.
Example
She fleshes out her ideas with more examples.
Example
He is fleshing out the proposal before presenting it to the team.
Example
They fleshed out the plan with additional strategies.
Example
The concept has been fleshed out with more details.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flesh 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
“flesh 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 artist fleshed out the sketch with more details.
Example
She fleshed out the outline of her presentation.
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
“flesh 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 artist fleshed out the sketch with more details.
Example
She fleshed out the outline of her presentation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flesh out”?
Good things to know
Does “flesh out” have an informal or formal tone?
Flesh 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 professional settings, such as business meetings, academic discussions, or presentations.
