What are the definitions of “pour out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To express or reveal something, especially emotions or thoughts, freely and openly.
She began pouring out her fears about the future.
- 2To empty a liquid from a container.
Would you pour some water out for me, please?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pour out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pour out is to empty a liquid from a container. For example, it can mean pouring water from a bottle into a glass or pouring juice from a jug into a cup.
What are the different verb forms of “pour out”?
| Root Verb | pour out |
| Third Person Singular Present | pours out |
| Present Participle | pouring out |
| Simple Past | poured out |
| Past Participle | poured out |
Example
I always pour out the old coffee before making a fresh pot.
Example
She pours out the milk into her cereal bowl every morning.
Example
He is pouring out the wine for the guests.
Example
Yesterday, they poured out the remaining soda from the party.
Example
The water had been poured out of the bottle and replaced with juice.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pour 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
“pour 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 poured out her feelings to her best friend.
Example
He poured the wine out into the glasses.
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
“pour 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 poured out her feelings to her best friend.
Example
He poured the wine out into the glasses.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pour out”?
Good things to know
Does “pour out” have an informal or formal tone?
Pour 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 more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing emotions or thoughts, such as pouring out one's heart, it can have a more emotional tone. However, in most cases, pour out is considered a neutral phrasal verb used in various situations.
