What are the definitions of “sound out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Check what someone thinks about an issue, idea, etc..
You should SOUND her OUT to get her opinion before you go ahead with the plan.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sound out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sound out is to check what someone thinks about an issue, idea, or plan. It is often used when you want to get someone's opinion or thoughts on a particular topic before making a decision.
What are the different verb forms of “sound out”?
| Root Verb | sound out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sounds out |
| Present Participle | sounding out |
| Simple Past | sounded out |
| Past Participle | sounded out |
Example
I need to sound out my team members before making a final decision.
Example
She sounds out her friends before choosing a movie to watch.
Example
He is sounding out his colleagues about the new project proposal.
Example
Yesterday, they sounded out the community about the proposed park improvements.
Example
The manager had sounded out the employees before implementing the new policy.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sound 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
“sound 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 sounded out my friends about the party idea.
Example
She sounded out her coworkers about the new office layout.
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
“sound 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 sounded out my friends about the party idea.
Example
She sounded out her coworkers about the new office layout.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sound out”?
Good things to know
Does “sound out” have an informal or formal tone?
Sound 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.
