What does the phrasal verb “talk out of” mean?

What are the definitions of “talk out of”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Persuade someone not to do something.

  He was going to drive home after drinking half a bottle of wine, but his friends TALKED him OUT OF it.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk out of”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk out of is to persuade someone not to do something. It means convincing someone to change their mind or decision about a particular action or plan.

What are the different verb forms of “talk out of”?

Root Verb	talk out of
Third Person Singular Present	talks out of
Present Participle	talking out of
Simple Past	talked out of
Past Participle	talked out of

Example

She tried to talk him out of quitting his job.

Example

He always talks her out of making impulsive decisions.

Example

They are talking their friend out of going on a dangerous trip.

Example

I talked my sister out of buying that expensive dress.

Example

He was talked out of investing in the risky business.

What kind of phrasal verb is “talk out of”?

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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

“talk out of” 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 talked him out of quitting his job.

Example

He talked her out of making impulsive decisions.

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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

“talk out of” 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 talked him out of quitting his job.

Example

He talked her out of making impulsive decisions.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “talk out of”?

Talk someone out of their money

To persuade someone to give you their money, often through deception or manipulation.

Example

The con artist talked the elderly woman out of her life savings.

Talk someone out of their position

To persuade someone to leave or abandon their job or role.

Example

The board members talked the CEO out of his position after the company's poor performance.

Talk someone out of their idea

To convince someone that their idea is not good or practical.

Example

The team talked the manager out of implementing the new policy, as it would have negative consequences.

Good things to know

Does “talk out of” have an informal or formal tone?

Talk out of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “talk out of”?

Synonyms

• dissuade
• discourage
• deter
• divert
• prevent
• persuade against
• change someone's mind

Antonyms

• encourage
• persuade
• urge
• convince
• support
• promote
• talk into