What does the phrasal verb “shell out” mean?

What are the definitions of “shell out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Spend money on something, especially when you think it's too expensive.

  I had to SHELL OUT a hundred pounds on the dinner.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shell out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shell out is to spend money on something, especially when you think it's too expensive or more than you expected. It often implies a sense of reluctance or hesitation in spending the money.

What are the different verb forms of “shell out”?

Root Verb	shell out
Third Person Singular Present	shells out
Present Participle	shelling out
Simple Past	shelled out
Past Participle	shelled out

Example

I can't believe I had to shell out so much money for that concert ticket.

Example

She shells out a lot of money for her designer clothes.

Example

They are shelling out a fortune for their wedding.

Example

He shelled out a large sum for the new car.

Example

We have shelled out a lot of money for our children's education.

What kind of phrasal verb is “shell out”?

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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

“shell 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

I shelled out a lot of money for that vacation.

Example

She shelled out a fortune on her new handbag.

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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

“shell 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

I shelled out a lot of money for that vacation.

Example

She shelled out a fortune on her new handbag.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shell out”?

Shell out for something

To spend money on a specific item or service.

Example

I had to shell out for a new laptop after my old one broke.

Shell out on something

To spend money on a specific item or service.

Example

She shelled out on a designer dress for the party.

Shell out money

To spend a certain amount of money.

Example

They shelled out a lot of money for their dream vacation.

Good things to know

Does “shell out” have an informal or formal tone?

Shell out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'spend,' 'pay,' or 'invest.'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “shell out”?

Synonyms

• spend
• pay
• invest
• expend
• disburse
• fork out
• cough up
• lay out

Antonyms

• save
• conserve
• preserve
• retain
• keep
• hold back