What are the definitions of “spill out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When large numbers of people leave a place at the same time.
The crowd SPILLED OUT onto the streets after the match had ended.
- 2Come or flow out of a box, container, etc.
The container was cracked and the chemicals SPILLED OUT.
- 3Express or display emotions openly.
I let my frustration SPILL OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spill out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spill out is when something comes or flows out of a container, box, or another enclosed space. It can refer to liquids, objects, or even people leaving a place.
What are the different verb forms of “spill out”?
| Root Verb | spill out |
| Third Person Singular Present | spills out |
| Present Participle | spilling out |
| Simple Past | spilled out |
| Past Participle | spilled out |
Example
The water spilled out of the glass when it tipped over.
Example
When she opens her purse, everything spills out onto the floor.
Example
The crowd is spilling out of the stadium after the game.
Example
The milk spilled out when the carton fell.
Example
The contents of the box had spilled out during the move.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spill 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
“spill 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 spilled out of the concert hall.
Example
The beads spilled out of the broken necklace.
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
“spill 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 spilled out of the concert hall.
Example
The beads spilled out of the broken necklace.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “spill out”?
Spill out one's feelings
To express one's emotions openly, often after keeping them hidden for a long time.
Example
After holding back her emotions for so long, she finally spilled out her feelings to her friend.
Good things to know
Does “spill out” have an informal or formal tone?
Spill 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 writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
