Differences between act out and trot out
Act out means to express one's emotions or feelings through behavior, often in an exaggerated or inappropriate way. Trot out means to present or show something that is often used or seen before, sometimes in a way that is not very original.
Meanings and Definitions: act out vs trot out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Act out
- 1Perform something with actions and gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
- 2Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their antisocial behaviour.
Trot out
- 1Make a statement ( meant negatively ).
The spokeswoman TROTTED OUT the same old unconvincing excuses.
Usage Examples: act out, trot out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
act out
Example
The children love to act out their favorite fairy tales.
Example
She acts out the scenes from her favorite movies.
trot out
Example
The politician always trots out the same promises during election campaigns.
Example
She trots out the same old story every time she's late.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Act out
play up
To exaggerate or emphasize something in order to draw attention to it.
Example
The politician tried to play up his accomplishments during the debate to win more votes.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Trot out
dredge up
To bring up or mention something from the past that is no longer relevant or useful.
Example
He always tries to dredge up old arguments during our meetings, which makes them less productive.
To reuse or repurpose something that has already been used or done before.
Example
The company decided to recycle their old marketing campaign for the new product launch to save time and resources.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “trot”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in act out vs trot out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: act out or trot out?
In daily conversation, people use act out more often than trot out. This is because act out is used to describe behavior or emotions, which are common topics in everyday conversations. Trot out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we want to describe someone presenting something in a way that is not very original. So, while both phrases are used, act out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of act out and trot out
Act out and trot out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of act out and trot out
The tone of act out and trot out can differ based on context. Act out often carries a negative or dramatic tone when related to expressing emotions or behavior, while trot out typically has a neutral or slightly negative tone, especially when referring to presenting something in a repetitive or unoriginal way.
