What are the definitions of “rule out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Exclude a possibility.
The police have RULED OUT suicide and are treating it as a case of murder.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rule out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rule out is to exclude or eliminate a possibility. It is often used when discussing options, ideas, or potential solutions that are no longer being considered.
What are the different verb forms of “rule out”?
| Root Verb | rule out |
| Third Person Singular Present | rules out |
| Present Participle | ruling out |
| Simple Past | ruled out |
| Past Participle | ruled out |
Example
The doctor ruled out any serious illness after examining the patient.
Example
She rules out any possibility of going on vacation this year.
Example
They are ruling out all the unnecessary expenses to save money.
Example
He ruled out the idea of moving to another city for work.
Example
The possibility of rain was ruled out by the weather forecast.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rule 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
“rule 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
The teacher ruled out cheating as the reason for the high test scores.
Example
The manager ruled the option out after discussing it with the team.
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
“rule 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
The teacher ruled out cheating as the reason for the high test scores.
Example
The manager ruled the option out after discussing it with the team.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rule out”?
To decide that a particular possibility is not likely or cannot happen.
Example
The doctor ruled out the possibility of a serious infection after reviewing the test results.
Good things to know
Does “rule out” have an informal or formal tone?
Rule out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in academic, legal, or professional discussions.
