What are the definitions of “straighten out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something straight.
I'm always having to STRAIGHTEN OUT the wires connected to my computer.
- 2Deal with a problem.
I had to STRAIGHTEN OUT things after the mess they had made.
- 3Make clear and resolve.
There are a few issues I'd like to STRAIGHTEN OUT first.
- 4Improve someone's behaviour.
Starting work has STRAIGHTENED him OUT and calmed him down.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “straighten out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb straighten out is to deal with a problem or make something clear and resolve it. For example, it can mean fixing a misunderstanding, resolving a conflict, or organizing a messy situation.
What are the different verb forms of “straighten out”?
| Root Verb | straighten out |
| Third Person Singular Present | straightens out |
| Present Participle | straightening out |
| Simple Past | straightened out |
| Past Participle | straightened out |
Example
I need to straighten out the misunderstanding with my friend.
Example
She straightens out any issues that arise in the team.
Example
He is straightening out the problems with the project.
Example
They straightened out the confusion about the schedule.
Example
The issues have been straightened out, and everything is clear now.
What kind of phrasal verb is “straighten 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
“straighten 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
She straightened out the misunderstanding.
Example
He straightened the situation out quickly.
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
“straighten 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
She straightened out the misunderstanding.
Example
He straightened the situation out quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “straighten out”?
Deal with a complicated or disorganized situation.
Example
After the party, we had to straighten out the mess in the living room.
Straighten out one's life
Improve one's behavior or lifestyle, often after a period of difficulties or problems.
Example
He decided to straighten out his life and focus on his career.
Resolve a confusion or miscommunication between people.
Example
We had a meeting to straighten out the misunderstandings between team members.
Good things to know
Does “straighten out” have an informal or formal tone?
Straighten out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional discussions.
