What are the definitions of “read out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Read aloud rather than silently.
The teacher READ OUT the names of the students who'd passed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “read out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb read out is to read something aloud, so that others can hear it. This can be used in various situations, such as reading a list of names, a passage from a book, or an announcement.
What are the different verb forms of “read out”?
| Root Verb | read out |
| Third Person Singular Present | reads out |
| Present Participle | reading out |
| Simple Past | read out |
| Past Participle | read out |
Example
The teacher read out the instructions for the test.
Example
She reads out the daily news to her grandmother.
Example
He is reading out the names of the winners.
Example
Yesterday, they read out the results of the competition.
Example
The names of the participants have been read out by the host.
What kind of phrasal verb is “read 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
“read 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 read out the poem to the audience.
Example
He read the letter out to his family.
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
“read 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 read out the poem to the audience.
Example
He read the letter out to his family.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “read out”?
Good things to know
Does “read out” have an informal or formal tone?
Read out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as presentations, speeches, or announcements.
