What are the definitions of “drum out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Force someone out of their job or position.
They DRUMMED the minister OUT when she was caught lying. The minister was DRUMMED OUT of her post for lying. (The passive form with OF is more common)
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drum out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drum out is to force someone to leave their job or position, usually because they have done something wrong or unacceptable. This action is often done publicly or with a sense of disgrace.
What are the different verb forms of “drum out”?
| Root Verb | drum out |
| Third Person Singular Present | drums out |
| Present Participle | drumming out |
| Simple Past | drummed out |
| Past Participle | drummed out |
Example
The company decided to drum out the dishonest employee.
Example
He drums out anyone who doesn't follow the rules.
Example
They are drumming out the corrupt official from the organization.
Example
The dishonest manager was drummed out of the company last year.
Example
The employee was drummed out for stealing from the company.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drum 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
“drum 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 board drummed out the CEO for unethical behavior.
Example
The team drummed the player out for breaking the rules.
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
“drum 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 board drummed out the CEO for unethical behavior.
Example
The team drummed the player out for breaking the rules.
Good things to know
Does “drum out” have an informal or formal tone?
Drum out is a relatively informal phrasal verb, often used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal contexts, it may be replaced with synonyms such as 'expel,' 'dismiss,' or 'remove from office.'
