What are the definitions of “rub out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Delete ink or pencil with an eraser.
He RUBBED OUT the figure and wrote the correct one in.
- 2Kill.
The gangsters RUBBED him OUT for stealing from them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub out is to erase or delete something written with ink or pencil using an eraser. It is often used when correcting mistakes or removing unwanted marks on paper.
What are the different verb forms of “rub out”?
| Root Verb | rub out |
| Third Person Singular Present | rubs out |
| Present Participle | rubbing out |
| Simple Past | rubbed out |
| Past Participle | rubbed out |
Example
She needed to rub out the mistake she made on her homework.
Example
He rubs out the incorrect answer and writes the correct one.
Example
She is rubbing out the pencil marks on her drawing.
Example
Yesterday, he rubbed out the wrong date on the calendar.
Example
The mistake was rubbed out and replaced with the correct information.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rub 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
“rub 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 rubbed out the mistake on her paper.
Example
He rubbed the mistake out on his paper.
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
“rub 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 rubbed out the mistake on her paper.
Example
He rubbed the mistake out on his paper.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rub out”?
Good things to know
Does “rub out” have an informal or formal tone?
Rub out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'erase' or 'remove' when referring to deleting marks on paper, and 'kill' or 'murder' when referring to taking someone's life.
