What are the definitions of “reel out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Unwind.
I REELED OUT the hose and watered the lawn.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “reel out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb reel out is to unwind or unroll something, such as a rope, wire, or hose. It means to extend or stretch something out by unwinding it from a spool or reel.
What are the different verb forms of “reel out”?
| Root Verb | reel out |
| Third Person Singular Present | reels out |
| Present Participle | reeling out |
| Simple Past | reeled out |
| Past Participle | reeled out |
Example
She reeled out the extension cord to reach the far end of the room.
Example
He reels out the fishing line to cast his bait.
Example
They are reeling out the red carpet for the event.
Example
Yesterday, she reeled out the garden hose to water the plants.
Example
The cable had been reeled out across the floor.
What kind of phrasal verb is “reel 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
“reel 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
He reeled out the rope to lower the supplies.
Example
She reeled the hose out to water the garden.
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
“reel 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
He reeled out the rope to lower the supplies.
Example
She reeled the hose out to water the garden.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “reel out”?
To provide a lot of information, often in a continuous manner.
Example
The tour guide reeled out facts about the city as we walked through the streets.
Good things to know
Does “reel out” have an informal or formal tone?
Reel out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
