What does the phrasal verb “fork out” mean?

What are the definitions of “fork out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To pay a large amount of money, often unwillingly or reluctantly.

  And hey, they even did their own conveyancing, so they didn't have to fork out those exorbitant lawyer's fees.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fork out is to pay a large amount of money, often unwillingly or reluctantly. It usually implies that the person paying feels the amount is too high or unfair.

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

Root Verb	fork out
Third Person Singular Present	forks out
Present Participle	forking out
Simple Past	forked out
Past Participle	forked out

Example

I had to fork out a lot of money for the car repair.

Example

She forks out a fortune for her designer clothes.

Example

He is forking out a lot for his new apartment.

Example

They forked out a huge sum for their wedding.

Example

We have forked out too much on unnecessary expenses.

What kind of phrasal verb is “fork 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

“fork 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

I forked out a lot of money for the car repair.

Example

She forked out a fortune for her designer clothes.

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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

“fork 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

I forked out a lot of money for the car repair.

Example

She forked out a fortune for her designer clothes.

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

Fork out for something

To pay a large amount of money for a specific item or service.

Example

I can't believe I have to fork out for a new laptop after mine broke.

Fork out on something

To spend a large amount of money on something.

Example

They forked out on a luxurious vacation to the Maldives.

Good things to know

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

Fork out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'pay,' 'spend,' or 'expend.'

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

Synonyms

• pay
• spend
• expend
• splurge
• shell out
• cough up
• dish out

Antonyms

• save
• conserve
• retain
• withhold
• keep
• hold back