What are the definitions of “muscle out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Use power, contacts, etc, to force someone out.
They used their contacts in local government to MUSCLE the competitors OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “muscle out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb muscle out is to use power, influence, or contacts to force someone out of a position or situation. It often implies using aggressive or unfair tactics to gain an advantage over someone else.
What are the different verb forms of “muscle out”?
| Root Verb | muscle out |
| Third Person Singular Present | muscles out |
| Present Participle | muscling out |
| Simple Past | muscled out |
| Past Participle | muscled out |
Example
The big company tried to muscle out the small business from the market.
Example
He muscles out his competitors using his connections.
Example
They are muscling out the other team by using their physical strength.
Example
She muscled out her rival for the promotion.
Example
The smaller store was muscled out by the large chain.
What kind of phrasal verb is “muscle 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
“muscle 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
The company muscled out its competitors.
Example
He muscled his rivals out of the race.
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
“muscle 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
The company muscled out its competitors.
Example
He muscled his rivals out of the race.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “muscle out”?
Good things to know
Does “muscle out” have an informal or formal tone?
Muscle out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal contexts, it is better to use synonyms such as 'force out,' 'oust,' or 'displace.'
