What are the definitions of “sing out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reply loudly.
When you hear your name, SING OUT!
- 2Sing loudly.
Everyone SANG OUT during the chorus.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sing out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sing out is to sing or reply loudly. It is often used to encourage someone to sing with more volume or to respond with a loud voice.
What are the different verb forms of “sing out”?
| Root Verb | sing out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sings out |
| Present Participle | singing out |
| Simple Past | sang out |
| Past Participle | sung out |
Example
When the choir director asked for more volume, the singers sang out.
Example
He sings out whenever his favorite song comes on the radio.
Example
She is singing out the lyrics to her favorite song.
Example
The audience sang out during the concert's finale.
Example
The children had sung out their favorite nursery rhymes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sing 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.)
Intransitive verb
“sing out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The crowd sang out when the band started playing.
Example
She sang out when she heard her name called.
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
“sing 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 crowd sang out when the band started playing.
Example
She sang out when she heard her name called.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sing out”?
Good things to know
Does “sing out” have an informal or formal tone?
Sing out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may also be used in more formal settings, such as choir performances or public speaking events, depending on the specific context.