What are the definitions of “hear out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Listen to everything someone has to say.
I HEARD them OUT before I commented.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hear out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hear out is to listen carefully to everything someone has to say, usually before making a decision or giving an opinion. It means giving someone a chance to express their thoughts or feelings completely.
What are the different verb forms of “hear out”?
| Root Verb | hear out |
| Third Person Singular Present | hears out |
| Present Participle | hearing out |
| Simple Past | heard out |
| Past Participle | heard out |
Example
Please hear me out before you make a decision.
Example
She always hears out her friends when they have a problem.
Example
I am hearing out his side of the story before I judge.
Example
They heard out the proposal before voting on it.
Example
The manager heard out the employee's concerns before taking action.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hear 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
“hear 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 heard out her explanation.
Example
He heard the speaker out before asking questions.
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
“hear 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 heard out her explanation.
Example
He heard the speaker out before asking questions.
Good things to know
Does “hear out” have an informal or formal tone?
Hear out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or legal proceedings.
