What are the definitions of “hide out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go or stay somewhere to avoid being caught or found.
The police think he's HIDING OUT in the woods.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hide out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hide out is to go or stay somewhere to avoid being caught or found. It is often used when someone is trying to escape from the police or other people who are looking for them.
What are the different verb forms of “hide out”?
| Root Verb | hide out |
| Third Person Singular Present | hides out |
| Present Participle | hiding out |
| Simple Past | hid out |
| Past Participle | hidden out |
Example
The criminal decided to hide out in an abandoned building.
Example
She hides out in her room when she wants to avoid her siblings.
Example
The fugitive is hiding out in a remote cabin in the mountains.
Example
During the war, they hid out in the countryside to avoid capture.
Example
The suspect had hidden out in the woods for several days before being caught.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hide 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
“hide 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
He hid out in the basement to avoid the police.
Example
She hid out in her room to avoid her annoying cousin.
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
“hide 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
He hid out in the basement to avoid the police.
Example
She hid out in her room to avoid her annoying cousin.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hide out”?
A secret place where someone can go to avoid being found or caught.
Example
The gang's hideout was discovered by the police.
Good things to know
Does “hide out” have an informal or formal tone?
Hide out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and even in literature. The level of formality depends on the specific context in which it is used.
