What are the definitions of “shake out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Shake clothes, cloths, etc to remove dirt or creases.
He took the tablecloth outside and SHOOK it OUT after dinner.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shake out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shake out is to shake clothes, cloths, or other items to remove dirt, dust, or creases. For example, it can mean shaking a tablecloth, a rug, or a piece of clothing.
What are the different verb forms of “shake out”?
| Root Verb | shake out |
| Third Person Singular Present | shakes out |
| Present Participle | shaking out |
| Simple Past | shook out |
| Past Participle | shaken out |
Example
She shakes out her jacket before putting it on.
Example
He shakes out the rug every week to remove dust.
Example
She is shaking out the tablecloth before setting the table.
Example
Yesterday, he shook out the curtains to remove dust.
Example
The blanket was shaken out and folded neatly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shake 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
“shake 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 shook out the tablecloth.
Example
He shook the rug out in the backyard.
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
“shake 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 shook out the tablecloth.
Example
He shook the rug out in the backyard.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shake out”?
Good things to know
Does “shake out” have an informal or formal tone?
Shake out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
