What are the definitions of “string out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something last as long as possible.
There was half an hour to go, so I STRUNG the questions OUT as long as I could.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “string out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb string out is to make something last as long as possible. It is often used when you want to extend the duration of an activity or event.
What are the different verb forms of “string out”?
| Root Verb | string out |
| Third Person Singular Present | strings out |
| Present Participle | stringing out |
| Simple Past | strung out |
| Past Participle | strung out |
Example
She always strings out her stories to keep her audience engaged.
Example
He strings out his presentations to fill the entire class period.
Example
She is stringing out the conversation to avoid an awkward silence.
Example
Yesterday, they strung out the meeting to avoid starting a new task.
Example
The event was strung out to give everyone enough time to participate.
What kind of phrasal verb is “string 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
“string 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 strung out the conversation to avoid an awkward silence.
Example
He strung the presentation out to fill the entire class period.
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
“string 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 strung out the conversation to avoid an awkward silence.
Example
He strung the presentation out to fill the entire class period.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “string out”?
String up
To hang something, often as a decoration or display.
Example
They strung up the lights for the holiday party.
Good things to know
Does “string out” have an informal or formal tone?
String 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, depending on the specific context.
