What are the definitions of “nerd out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Play safe and avoid taking a risk.
I'm going to NERD OUT and not go on the river trip.
- 2Discuss something in great detail.
I had to NERD OUT when they asked about conditionals and deontic modality.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “nerd out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb nerd out is to discuss something in great detail, often with enthusiasm and passion. It is usually used when talking about a specific topic or subject that someone is very interested in or knowledgeable about.
What are the different verb forms of “nerd out”?
| Root Verb | nerd out |
| Third Person Singular Present | nerds out |
| Present Participle | nerding out |
| Simple Past | nerded out |
| Past Participle | nerded out |
Example
I love to nerd out about my favorite movies with my friends.
Example
She nerds out whenever someone mentions her favorite book series.
Example
He is nerding out about the latest video game release.
Example
We nerded out about the new technology at the conference.
Example
They had nerded out about the topic for hours.
What kind of phrasal verb is “nerd 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
“nerd 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
I nerded out when I saw the new comic book collection.
Example
She nerded out during the science lecture.
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
“nerd 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 nerded out when I saw the new comic book collection.
Example
She nerded out during the science lecture.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “nerd out”?
Good things to know
Does “nerd out” have an informal or formal tone?
Nerd out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations among friends or in relaxed settings. It is not commonly used in formal situations or professional contexts.
