What are the definitions of “weed out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove, get rid of.
The company WEEDED OUT the unsuccessful sales reps.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “weed out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb weed out is to remove or get rid of something or someone that is unwanted or not useful. It is often used when talking about eliminating problems, inefficiencies, or people who are not performing well.
What are the different verb forms of “weed out”?
| Root Verb | weed out |
| Third Person Singular Present | weeds out |
| Present Participle | weeding out |
| Simple Past | weeded out |
| Past Participle | weeded out |
Example
The teacher needs to weed out the students who are not serious about the class.
Example
The manager weeds out unproductive employees during the annual review.
Example
She is weeding out the old clothes from her closet.
Example
The gardener weeded out the invasive plants from the garden.
Example
The unqualified candidates were weeded out during the interview process.
What kind of phrasal verb is “weed 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
“weed 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
The company weeded out the unsuccessful sales reps.
Example
She weeded out the old clothes from her closet.
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
“weed 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 company weeded out the unsuccessful sales reps.
Example
She weeded out the old clothes from her closet.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “weed out”?
Good things to know
Does “weed out” have an informal or formal tone?
Weed 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 professional settings, such as in business or academic discussions.
