Prepositional phrases are an essential part of the English language that help to provide context and meaning to sentences. They are groups of words that include a preposition, its object, and any modifiers. One of the most commonly used prepositions is “out,” which can be used in a variety of contexts to convey different meanings.
In this article, we will explore the different ways in which the preposition “out” can be used in prepositional phrases.
Prepositional Phrases with Out
In English grammar, a prepositional phrase is a group of words made up of a preposition, its object, and any of the object’s modifiers. Prepositional phrases can be used to describe location, time, manner, or other details about a noun, verb, or adjective.
When the preposition “out” is used in a prepositional phrase, it often indicates movement away from something or a change in location. Here are some common prepositional phrases with “out”:
- Out of bounds: Beyond the limits or a prohibited area.
- Out of breath: To breathe with difficulty or exhaustion.
- Out of character: Not typical of a person’s behavior or unusual.
- Out of control: Unable to be managed or restrained.
- Out of sight: Unable to be seen or hidden from view.
- Out of the question: Not possible or not worth considering.
It’s important to note that the preposition “out” can also be used in other types of phrases, such as phrasal verbs (e.g. “figure out”) and idioms (e.g. “out of the blue”). However, in this article, we will focus on prepositional phrases with “out” that describe location or movement away from something.
List of Prepositional Phrases with Out
Prepositional phrases are set phrases or groups of words introduced by a preposition. The following phrases are the most commonly used prepositional phrases – Out in the English language.
- Out of fashion
- Out of print
- Out of step
- Out of breath
- Out of context
- Out of control
- Out of curiosity
- Out of jealousy
- Out of date
- Out of doors
- Out of duty
- Out of hand
- Out of ideas
- Out of one’s mind
- Out of order
- Out of pity
- Out of place
- Out of practice
- Out of reach
- Out of respect for
- Out of sight
- Out of spite
- Out of stock
- Out of the ordinary
- Out of the question
- Out of work
Common Uses of Prepositional Phrases with Out
n English, the preposition “out” can be used in a variety of prepositional phrases. These phrases can modify verbs, nouns, and adjectives, and can be used to describe a wide range of actions and situations. Here are some common uses of prepositional phrases with “out”:
- To indicate the direction of movement: When used as an adverb, “out” can indicate the direction of movement away from a place or object. For example, “We walked out of the room” or “He threw the ball out of the window.”
- To describe a state of being: “Out” can also be used to describe a state of being, such as being unconscious or defeated. For example, “He was knocked out by the punch” or “The team was out of the playoffs.”
- To indicate completion: “Out” can also be used to indicate completion of an action or task. For example, “She typed out the report” or “He finished out the season strong.”
- To describe a lack of something: “Out” can be used to describe a lack of something, such as money or time. For example, “We’re out of milk” or “I’m out of time to finish this project.”
- To indicate exposure or visibility: “Out” can also be used to indicate exposure or visibility, such as being outside or in the open. For example, “We ate out on the patio” or “The stars were out that night.”
Examples of Prepositional Phrases with Out
- Out of control: This phrase is used to describe a situation or a person that is not under control. For example, “The car went out of control and crashed into a tree.”
- Out of sight: This phrase is used to describe something that cannot be seen. For example, “The bird flew out of sight.”
- Out of reach: This phrase is used to describe something that cannot be reached. For example, “The book was out of reach on the top shelf.”
- Out of breath: This phrase is used to describe someone who is breathing heavily because of physical exertion. For example, “After running a marathon, I was completely out of breath.”
- Out of order: This phrase is used to describe something that is not working properly. For example, “The elevator was out of order.”
- Out of date: This phrase is used to describe something that is no longer valid or relevant. For example, “The information in the book was out of date.”
- Out of the question: This phrase is used to describe something that is impossible or not allowed. For example, “Going to the party is out of the question because I have to study for my exam.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of prepositional phrases that use ‘out’?
Some examples of prepositional phrases that use ‘out’ are “out of bounds,” “out of breath,” and “out of character.” These phrases indicate a sense of being beyond a limit, having difficulty breathing, or acting in a way that is not typical.
Can you provide some sentences with two prepositional phrases that include ‘out’?
Sure! Here are some examples:
- “The ball rolled out of bounds and out of sight.”
- “After running for miles, I was out of breath and out of energy.”
- “It was out of character for her to be out of the house for so long and out of touch with her friends.”
How can ‘out’ be used as a preposition in a sentence?
‘Out’ can be used as a preposition in a sentence to indicate a sense of being beyond a limit or outside of a certain area. For example, “The cat ran out of the room” or “The children were playing out in the yard.” In these sentences, ‘out’ is used to show the location of the cat or the children.
Last Updated on November 14, 2023