What are the definitions of “listen out for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Listen for a particular noise or sound.
They put their coats on and LISTENED OUT FOR the minicab.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “listen out for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb listen out for is to pay attention to a specific sound or noise, usually because you are expecting to hear it. For example, it can mean waiting to hear a knock on the door, a phone call, or a specific announcement.
What are the different verb forms of “listen out for”?
| Root Verb | listen out for |
| Third Person Singular Present | listens out for |
| Present Participle | listening out for |
| Simple Past | listened out for |
| Past Participle | listened out for |
Example
I always listen out for the sound of the mailman delivering the mail.
Example
She listens out for the sound of her baby crying at night.
Example
He is listening out for the announcement of his flight at the airport.
Example
Yesterday, they listened out for the sound of the ice cream truck.
Example
The broken window was listened out for and replaced with a new one.
What kind of phrasal verb is “listen out for”?
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
“listen out for” 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 listened out for the sound of her baby crying.
Example
He listened out for the announcement of his flight.
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
“listen out for” 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 listened out for the sound of her baby crying.
Example
He listened out for the announcement of his flight.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “listen out for”?
Good things to know
Does “listen out for” have an informal or formal tone?
Listen out for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as presentations or meetings, depending on the specific context.
