What are the definitions of “have it out with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discuss or argue an issue to improve a situation.
I'd been worried for ages, so I decided to HAVE IT OUT WITH them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “have it out with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb have it out with is to discuss or argue an issue with someone in order to improve a situation or resolve a problem. It often involves confronting someone about a disagreement or misunderstanding.
What are the different verb forms of “have it out with”?
| Root Verb | have it out with |
| Third Person Singular Present | has it out with |
| Present Participle | having it out with |
| Simple Past | had it out with |
| Past Participle | had it out with |
Example
I need to have it out with my roommate about the mess in our apartment.
Example
She has it out with her coworker about the project deadline.
Example
He is having it out with his friend about their disagreement.
Example
Yesterday, they had it out with each other about the misunderstanding.
Example
They had it out with their neighbor about the noise complaints.
What kind of phrasal verb is “have it out with”?
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
“have it out with” 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 had it out with my boss about the unfair workload.
Example
She had it out with her friend about their argument.
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
“have it out with” 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 had it out with my boss about the unfair workload.
Example
She had it out with her friend about their argument.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “have it out with”?
Good things to know
Does “have it out with” have an informal or formal tone?
Have it out with is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'discuss the issue with' or 'resolve the disagreement with'.
