What does the phrasal verb “whip out” mean?

What are the definitions of “whip out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Remove quickly.

  The police officer WHIPPED OUT her radio and called for back - up.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb whip out is to remove something quickly, often with a sudden or swift motion. It is used when someone takes out an object from a container or a hidden place in a fast manner.

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

Root Verb	whip out
Third Person Singular Present	whips out
Present Participle	whipping out
Simple Past	whipped out
Past Participle	whipped out

Example

He whipped out his wallet to pay for the meal.

Example

She whips out her phone to take a picture of the beautiful sunset.

Example

He is whipping out his keys to unlock the door.

Example

She whipped out a pen and paper to take notes during the meeting.

Example

The magician whipped out a rabbit from his hat.

What kind of phrasal verb is “whip out”?

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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

“whip 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

He whipped out his phone to make a call.

Example

She whipped out a tissue from her purse.

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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

“whip 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

He whipped out his phone to make a call.

Example

She whipped out a tissue from her purse.

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

Whip out a weapon

To quickly draw a weapon, such as a gun or a knife, in a threatening or defensive situation.

Example

The robber whipped out a knife and demanded money from the cashier.

Whip out a card

To quickly take out a card, such as a credit card or an ID card, to show or use it.

Example

When the waiter brought the bill, he whipped out his credit card to pay.

Whip out a camera

To quickly take out a camera or a phone to capture a photo or a video.

Example

As soon as the celebrity appeared, the fans whipped out their cameras to take pictures.

Good things to know

Does “whip out” have an informal or formal tone?

Whip out is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'remove quickly' or 'produce rapidly' can be used.

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

Synonyms

• extract
• retrieve
• produce
• pull out
• draw out
• take out

Antonyms

• store
• conceal
• hide
• insert
• place
• put away