The word ‘Out’ in English has various uses in both spoken and written language learning. This word can be used as both preposition and adverb. Here to note that prepositions are always followed by noun, noun phrase or pronouns but adverbs are not. This is true with the word ‘out’ also. When ‘out’ is used as a preposition, there will be a noun, noun phrase or a pronoun following it. But when used as an adverb, there will be no noun or pronoun coming after it. Below is a discussion on the various uses of the word ‘out’ as an adverb :
Uses of ‘Out’ as an adverb :
A. Out is used to mean ‘a machine or any other devices is not working.’ (This use is found mainly in American English). See the examples below :
1. The electric oven at my home is out now. It needs to get repaired soon.
2. Could I get this piece of paper copied? No, sorry as the photocopier is out for a while.
B. Out means ‘someone is no longer in a bad situation etc. See the examples below :
1. Good news is that my younger daughter infected with dengue virus is now out of danger.
2. The baby injured in a plane crash is still not out of risk.
C. It means ‘lights or other electric equipment is switched off.’ See the examples below :
1. When I entered the room, I found the light there out.
2. Keep the light in the room out whenever you go outside.
D. Out means ‘something not available at this moment.’ Look at the examples below :
1. This item is generally sold here but at this moment it is out.
2. This library has got the book you are asking for. But unfortunately it is out now.
E. Out means ‘something is not possible or it cannot be accepted.’ See the examples :
1. I am empty handed now. So buying something is out for me at this moment.
F. Out means ‘a sound or voice is loud & clear.’ Look at the examples given below :
1. At level 5, the sound from the TV set is still out. Cut down the volume further.
2. Despite being 5 months old, the words from the baby is quite out to understand .
Special use : out loud. See the examples :
1. Don’t whisper, utter it out loud so we can all hear what you say.
G. Out means ‘a calculation, measurement or number not correct (used mainly in British English) See the examples below :
1. I think their calculation regarding the cost of the project is out.
2. Your measurement of the project area is out.
Special use : Not far out equals (= almost correct). See the examples below :
1. I think your calculation on the potential expenditure is not far out.
H. Something out means it has become publicly known. Look at the sentences :
1. The ‘O’ level exam results 2019 are out already.
2. At last the secrets behind his amassing of huge wealth is out. Therefore he will surely be facing grilling from the Anti Corruption Body.
3. DU admission results for science faculty is not out yet.
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