What are the definitions of “flip out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become very excited and lose control.
He FLIPPED OUT when he won the final.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flip out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flip out is to become very excited and lose control, often due to strong emotions like anger, surprise, or happiness. It can be used to describe someone reacting in an extreme or unexpected way.
What are the different verb forms of “flip out”?
| Root Verb | flip out |
| Third Person Singular Present | flips out |
| Present Participle | flipping out |
| Simple Past | flipped out |
| Past Participle | flipped out |
Example
She flipped out when she found out she won the lottery.
Example
He flips out whenever his favorite team scores a goal.
Example
She is flipping out because she can't find her keys.
Example
He flipped out when he saw the surprise party.
Example
She had flipped out when she received the news.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flip 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.)
Intransitive verb
“flip out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She flipped out when she saw the spider.
Example
He flipped out after hearing the news.
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
“flip 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 flipped out when she saw the spider.
Example
He flipped out after hearing the news.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flip out”?
To become extremely excited or happy about something.
Example
The kids flipped out in excitement when they saw the new puppy.
Good things to know
Does “flip out” have an informal or formal tone?
Flip out is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'lose control' or 'become agitated' can be used.
