What are the definitions of “play out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Progress, often till it finishes.
Let's see how things PLAY OUT.
- 2Pretend that something is real and reduce its effect.
Computer games allow people to PLAY OUT their violent urges.
- 3Play something to the end.
Rain stopped them PLAYING the game OUT.
- 4Unwind ( e.g., fishing line ).
When he hooked the swordfish, his line rapidly PLAYED OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb play out is to progress or develop until something finishes or reaches its conclusion. It is often used to describe situations or events that unfold over time. For example, it can be used to talk about how a situation will end or how a story will develop.
What are the different verb forms of “play out”?
| Root Verb | play out |
| Third Person Singular Present | plays out |
| Present Participle | playing out |
| Simple Past | played out |
| Past Participle | played out |
Example
We will have to wait and see how the situation plays out.
Example
She plays out her strategy carefully in the game.
Example
The drama is playing out on the national stage.
Example
The events played out as expected.
Example
The story has played out many times before.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play 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
“play 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
Let's see how the situation plays out.
Example
The game played out until the final whistle.
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
“play 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
Let's see how the situation plays out.
Example
The game played out until the final whistle.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play out”?
Good things to know
Does “play out” have an informal or formal tone?
Play 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 more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
