What are the definitions of “nose out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find out, discover- usually information, secrets, etc.
He NOSED OUT their plans.
- 2Narrowly beat someone.
The other candidate NOSED him OUT by a few votes.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “nose out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb nose out is to find out or discover information, secrets, or other hidden things. It often implies using one's intuition or investigative skills to uncover something that is not easily noticeable or accessible.
What are the different verb forms of “nose out”?
| Root Verb | nose out |
| Third Person Singular Present | noses out |
| Present Participle | nosing out |
| Simple Past | nosed out |
| Past Participle | nosed out |
Example
The detective managed to nose out the truth behind the crime.
Example
She noses out the best deals when shopping for clothes.
Example
He is nosing out the details of the company's secret project.
Example
The journalist nosed out the politician's hidden agenda.
Example
The hidden treasure was finally nosed out by the treasure hunters.
What kind of phrasal verb is “nose 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
“nose 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 nosed out the secret ingredient in the recipe.
Example
He nosed out the truth about the mysterious disappearance.
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
“nose 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 nosed out the secret ingredient in the recipe.
Example
He nosed out the truth about the mysterious disappearance.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “nose out”?
Narrowly beat someone in a contest or competition.
Example
The athlete nosed out her rival to win the gold medal.
Good things to know
Does “nose out” have an informal or formal tone?
Nose out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'discover,' 'uncover,' or 'find out.'
