What does the phrasal verb “throw out” mean?

What are the definitions of “throw out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Get rid of.

  I THREW OUT all my old clothes to make some space in my wardrobe.

• 2. Dislocate.

  Edward slipped on the ice and THREW OUT his shoulder.

• 3. Reject.

  The committee THREW the proposal OUT.

• 4. Produce heat, fumes.

  The car THROWS OUT a lot of smoke.

• 5. Expel.

  The school THREW him OUT for smoking.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb throw out is to get rid of something, usually because it is no longer needed or wanted. For example, it can mean disposing of trash, discarding old items, or removing unwanted things from a space.

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

Root Verb	throw out
Third Person Singular Present	throws out
Present Participle	throwing out
Simple Past	threw out
Past Participle	thrown out

Example

I need to throw out the expired food from the fridge.

Example

She throws out her old magazines every month.

Example

He is throwing out the broken toys in the playroom.

Example

Yesterday, they threw out the old sofa from the living room.

Example

The damaged equipment was thrown out and replaced with new ones.

What kind of phrasal verb is “throw 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

“throw 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 threw out the old newspapers.

Example

He threw the trash out of the house.

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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

“throw 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 threw out the old newspapers.

Example

He threw the trash out of the house.

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

Throw out an idea

To suggest or propose an idea, often in a casual or informal manner.

Example

She threw out an idea for a new project during the meeting.

Throw out a challenge

To issue a challenge or invite someone to compete.

Example

He threw out a challenge to his rival, daring him to a race.

Throw out a question

To ask a question, often in a casual or informal manner.

Example

During the discussion, he threw out a question about the company's future plans.

Good things to know

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

Throw out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'discard,' 'dispose of,' or 'reject' may be more appropriate.

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

Synonyms

• discard
• remove
• eliminate
• reject
• eject
• expel
• dispose of
• toss out
• cast out
• get rid of

Antonyms

• keep
• retain
• preserve
• accept
• adopt
• include
• allow
• permit
• hold on to
• embrace