What does the phrasal verb “measure out” mean?

What are the definitions of “measure out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Measure or weigh the amount needed.

  He MEASURED OUT the flour for the bread.

• 2. Weigh or measure an exact amount.

  She MEASURED OUT a hundred grammes of the powder.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb measure out is to weigh or measure the exact amount of something needed for a specific purpose. This is often used in cooking, baking, or other activities that require precise measurements.

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

Root Verb	measure out
Third Person Singular Present	measures out
Present Participle	measuring out
Simple Past	measured out
Past Participle	measured out

Example

Please measure out the sugar for the cake.

Example

She measures out the ingredients for her famous cookies.

Example

He is measuring out the rice for dinner.

Example

Yesterday, they measured out the paint needed for the room.

Example

The fabric was measured out and cut for the dress.

What kind of phrasal verb is “measure out”?

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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

“measure 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 measured out the milk for the recipe.

Example

He measured the flour out for the bread.

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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

“measure 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 measured out the milk for the recipe.

Example

He measured the flour out for the bread.

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

Measure out one's life

To live one's life in a certain way or with a specific focus.

Example

He measured out his life in coffee spoons, always focusing on the small details.

Measure out success

To determine or evaluate the level of success or achievement.

Example

She measured out her success by the number of people she helped.

Measure out time

To allocate or plan the use of time for various tasks or activities.

Example

They measured out their time wisely, balancing work and leisure.

Good things to know

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

Measure 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, such as scientific or technical discussions.

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

Synonyms

• weigh
• gauge
• calculate
• determine
• quantify
• assess
• allocate
• apportion

Antonyms

• estimate
• guess
• approximate
• eyeball
• guesstimate