What are the definitions of “pass out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Faint, lose consciousness.
He got so drunk that he PASSED OUT.
- 2Distribute.
The protesters PASSED OUT leaflets to the growing crowd.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass out is to lose consciousness or faint. This can happen due to various reasons, such as exhaustion, dehydration, or intoxication.
What are the different verb forms of “pass out”?
| Root Verb | pass out |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes out |
| Present Participle | passing out |
| Simple Past | passed out |
| Past Participle | passed out |
Example
She felt dizzy and suddenly passed out.
Example
He passes out whenever he sees blood.
Example
She was passing out from the heat and needed water.
Example
He passed out after running the marathon.
Example
She had passed out from exhaustion and needed to rest.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass 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
“pass 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
She passed out from the heat.
Example
He passed out after drinking too much.
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
“pass 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 passed out from the heat.
Example
He passed out after drinking too much.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass out”?
Good things to know
Does “pass out” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
