What are the definitions of “wheel out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Use something like an explanation that has been used many times before and has lost its impact.
They WHEELED OUT the same old excuses last time this happened.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wheel out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wheel out is to use something, such as an explanation or excuse, that has been used many times before and has lost its impact. It often implies that the person using the explanation or excuse is not being sincere or original.
What are the different verb forms of “wheel out”?
| Root Verb | wheel out |
| Third Person Singular Present | wheels out |
| Present Participle | wheeling out |
| Simple Past | wheeled out |
| Past Participle | wheeled out |
Example
The company always wheels out the same reasons for the price increase.
Example
He wheels out the same old story every time he's late.
Example
She is wheeling out the same excuses for not finishing her work.
Example
They wheeled out the same arguments during the last debate.
Example
The same old reasons have been wheeled out again.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wheel 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
“wheel 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 wheeled out the same excuse for being late.
Example
The politician wheeled out the same promises during the campaign.
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
“wheel 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 wheeled out the same excuse for being late.
Example
The politician wheeled out the same promises during the campaign.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wheel out”?
Good things to know
Does “wheel out” have an informal or formal tone?
Wheel out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. Instead, consider using synonyms like 'reuse' or 'repeat' in more formal contexts.
