What are the definitions of “measure out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Measure or weigh the amount needed.
He MEASURED OUT the flour for the bread.
- 2Weigh or measure an exact amount.
She MEASURED OUT a hundred grammes of the powder.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “measure out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb measure out is to weigh or measure the exact amount of something needed for a specific purpose. This is often used in cooking, baking, or other activities that require precise measurements.
What are the different verb forms of “measure out”?
| Root Verb | measure out |
| Third Person Singular Present | measures out |
| Present Participle | measuring out |
| Simple Past | measured out |
| Past Participle | measured out |
Example
Please measure out the sugar for the cake.
Example
She measures out the ingredients for her famous cookies.
Example
He is measuring out the rice for dinner.
Example
Yesterday, they measured out the paint needed for the room.
Example
The fabric was measured out and cut for the dress.
What kind of phrasal verb is “measure 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
“measure 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
She measured out the milk for the recipe.
Example
He measured the flour out for the bread.
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
“measure 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
She measured out the milk for the recipe.
Example
He measured the flour out for the bread.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “measure out”?
Good things to know
Does “measure out” have an informal or formal tone?
Measure out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as scientific or technical discussions.
