What does the phrasal verb “cross out” mean?

What are the definitions of “cross out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Put as line through some writing to show it is wrong.

  She CROSSED OUT her mistakes and wrote the correct answers above them.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cross out is to draw a line through some writing to show that it is incorrect or should be ignored. This is often done when correcting mistakes or making changes to a written document.

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

Root Verb	cross out
Third Person Singular Present	crosses out
Present Participle	crossing out
Simple Past	crossed out
Past Participle	crossed out

Example

Please cross out any incorrect information on the form.

Example

She crosses out the wrong answers and writes the correct ones.

Example

He is crossing out the errors in the report.

Example

Yesterday, I crossed out the mistakes in my essay.

Example

All the errors have been crossed out and corrected.

What kind of phrasal verb is “cross 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

“cross 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 crossed out the incorrect word.

Example

He crossed the mistake out on the paper.

📝

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

“cross 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 crossed out the incorrect word.

Example

He crossed the mistake out on the paper.

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

Cross out and replace

To draw a line through some writing to show it is incorrect and then write the correct information above or beside it.

Example

I crossed out the wrong date and replaced it with the correct one.

Cross out a name

To draw a line through someone's name on a list, often to indicate that they are no longer included or have completed a task.

Example

Once you finish the assignment, cross out your name on the list.

Cross out an option

To draw a line through an option on a list or form to indicate that it is not applicable or has been eliminated.

Example

After considering all the choices, she crossed out the least desirable option.

Good things to know

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

Cross 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 academic and professional settings when discussing written documents or making corrections.

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

Synonyms

• cancel
• delete
• eliminate
• remove
• omit
• strike out
• erase

Antonyms

• include
• insert
• write
• keep
• retain
• maintain
• add