What does the phrasal verb “pad out” mean?

What are the definitions of “pad out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Make a text longer by including extra content, often content that isn't particularly relevant.

  I couldn't think of much to write, so I PADDED the essay OUT with a few lengthy quotes.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pad out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pad out is to make a text or piece of writing longer by adding extra content, often content that is not very relevant or important. This is usually done to meet a required length or to make the text appear more substantial.

What are the different verb forms of “pad out”?

Root Verb	pad out
Third Person Singular Present	pads out
Present Participle	padding out
Simple Past	padded out
Past Participle	padded out

Example

She needed to pad out her report to meet the minimum word count.

Example

He pads out his essays with unnecessary details.

Example

She is padding out her speech with anecdotes to make it more engaging.

Example

He padded out his presentation with extra slides to fill the time.

Example

The article was padded out with irrelevant information.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pad out”?

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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

“pad 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 padded out her essay with quotes.

Example

He padded the report out with extra data.

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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

“pad 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 padded out her essay with quotes.

Example

He padded the report out with extra data.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pad out”?

Pad out time

To fill time with activities or actions that are not very important or relevant, often to make a situation less awkward or to avoid boredom.

Example

We padded out the time before the meeting with small talk.

Pad out a resume

To make a resume appear more impressive by adding extra, often irrelevant or less important, information.

Example

He padded out his resume with volunteer work and hobbies.

Pad out a budget

To include extra, often unnecessary, expenses in a budget to make it appear larger or more comprehensive.

Example

The project manager padded out the budget with contingencies and extra resources.

Good things to know

Does “pad out” have an informal or formal tone?

Pad 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 academic and professional settings when discussing writing, presentations, or other forms of communication.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pad out”?

Synonyms

• extend
• lengthen
• enlarge
• expand
• stretch
• elongate
• increase
• fill out

Antonyms

• shorten
• condense
• trim
• reduce
• cut
• abbreviate
• compress
• contract