What are the definitions of “pan out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1The way a situation develops.
I don't know how things will PAN OUT now the company's been taken over.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pan out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pan out is to describe how a situation develops or turns out, especially when the outcome is uncertain. It is often used to talk about plans, projects, or events.
What are the different verb forms of “pan out”?
| Root Verb | pan out |
| Third Person Singular Present | pans out |
| Present Participle | panning out |
| Simple Past | panned out |
| Past Participle | panned out |
Example
Let's see how the new project pans out before we invest more resources.
Example
She hopes the job interview pans out well.
Example
The situation is panning out better than we expected.
Example
The party panned out to be a great success.
Example
The plan panned out just as we had hoped.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pan 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
“pan 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
We'll have to wait and see how the situation pans out.
Example
The meeting panned out better than expected.
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
“pan 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
We'll have to wait and see how the situation pans out.
Example
The meeting panned out better than expected.
Good things to know
Does “pan out” have an informal or formal tone?
Pan out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
