What are the definitions of “stub out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Extinguish a cigarette.
He STUBBED his cigarette OUT in a saucer because he couldn't find an ashtray.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stub out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stub out is to extinguish a cigarette, usually by pressing the lit end against a hard surface. This action is often done when a person has finished smoking or wants to put out the cigarette.
What are the different verb forms of “stub out”?
| Root Verb | stub out |
| Third Person Singular Present | stubs out |
| Present Participle | stubbing out |
| Simple Past | stubbed out |
| Past Participle | stubbed out |
Example
Please stub out your cigarette before entering the building.
Example
She stubs out her cigarette before going inside.
Example
He is stubbing out his cigarette before the meeting starts.
Example
Yesterday, he stubbed out his cigarette on the sidewalk.
Example
The cigarette was stubbed out in the ashtray.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stub 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
“stub 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 stubbed out her cigarette on the wall.
Example
He stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray.
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
“stub 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 stubbed out her cigarette on the wall.
Example
He stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stub out”?
Good things to know
Does “stub out” have an informal or formal tone?
Stub out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written instructions or public announcements.
