What are the definitions of “spew out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Expel, throw out.
The volcano is SPEWING OUT lava and hot gases.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spew out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spew out is to expel or throw out something, usually in a forceful or uncontrolled manner. It can be used to describe the release of substances, such as liquids, gases, or even words.
What are the different verb forms of “spew out”?
| Root Verb | spew out |
| Third Person Singular Present | spews out |
| Present Participle | spewing out |
| Simple Past | spewed out |
| Past Participle | spewed out |
Example
The factory spews out a lot of smoke.
Example
The broken pipe spews out water.
Example
The volcano is spewing out lava and hot gases.
Example
The machine spewed out a lot of waste.
Example
The smokestack had spewed out pollution for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spew 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
“spew 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 volcano spewed out ash and smoke.
Example
The car spewed out a cloud of exhaust.
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
“spew 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 volcano spewed out ash and smoke.
Example
The car spewed out a cloud of exhaust.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “spew out”?
To provide a large amount of information quickly and without organization.
Example
The computer spewed out a long list of data.
Good things to know
Does “spew out” have an informal or formal tone?
Spew out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative words such as 'emit', 'discharge', or 'expel' may be more appropriate.
