What are the definitions of “wear out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Use something until it stops working.
She played the video so many times that she WORE the tape OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wear out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wear out is to use something so much that it becomes damaged, thin, or no longer works properly. This can happen to clothes, shoes, or other items that are used frequently.
What are the different verb forms of “wear out”?
| Root Verb | wear out |
| Third Person Singular Present | wears out |
| Present Participle | wearing out |
| Simple Past | wore out |
| Past Participle | worn out |
Example
If you keep using that old backpack, you'll wear it out soon.
Example
He wears out his shoes quickly because he walks so much.
Example
She is wearing out her favorite sweater by wearing it every day.
Example
I wore out my old bicycle after years of daily use.
Example
The old sofa was worn out and needed to be replaced.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wear 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
“wear 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 wore out her shoes from running every day.
Example
He wore the tires out on his car by driving so much.
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
“wear 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 wore out her shoes from running every day.
Example
He wore the tires out on his car by driving so much.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wear out”?
Good things to know
Does “wear out” have an informal or formal tone?
Wear 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.
