What are the definitions of “scout out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Search for something.
The researcher spent months SCOUTING OUT the answer.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scout out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scout out is to search for something or gather information about a place, person, or thing. It often involves exploring or investigating to find what you are looking for.
What are the different verb forms of “scout out”?
| Root Verb | scout out |
| Third Person Singular Present | scouts out |
| Present Participle | scouting out |
| Simple Past | scouted out |
| Past Participle | scouted out |
Example
I need to scout out a good location for our picnic.
Example
She scouts out the best deals at the grocery store.
Example
He is scouting out potential venues for the wedding.
Example
Yesterday, they scouted out the area for a new hiking trail.
Example
The perfect spot for the photoshoot was scouted out by the photographer.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scout 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
“scout 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 scouted out a new restaurant for us to try.
Example
He scouted out the best route to avoid traffic.
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
“scout 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 scouted out a new restaurant for us to try.
Example
He scouted out the best route to avoid traffic.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scout out”?
Investigate or gather information about competitors in a market or industry.
Example
Before launching their product, the company scouted out the competition to understand the market better.
Good things to know
Does “scout out” have an informal or formal tone?
Scout out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
