What are the definitions of “see out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accompany a guest to your front door when they are leaving your house.
Are you sure you're going? I'll get your coats and SEE you OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “see out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb see out is to accompany a guest to the front door when they are leaving your house. It is a polite gesture to show that you care about their well-being and enjoyed their company.
What are the different verb forms of “see out”?
| Root Verb | see out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sees out |
| Present Participle | seeing out |
| Simple Past | saw out |
| Past Participle | seen out |
Example
I always see out my guests after a dinner party.
Example
She sees out her friends after they visit her.
Example
He is seeing out his relatives after the family gathering.
Example
Yesterday, they saw out their neighbors after the barbecue.
Example
The guests were seen out by the host at the end of the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “see 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
“see 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 saw her guests out after the party.
Example
He saw out his friends after the movie night.
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
“see 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 saw her guests out after the party.
Example
He saw out his friends after the movie night.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “see out”?
Good things to know
Does “see out” have an informal or formal tone?
See out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the context.
