Multiple meanings of the phrasal verb: break down
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In this series we are talking about multiple meanings of words
and phrases.
And in today’s episode we are going to be discussing the phrasal
verb “put out”.
Put out has 5 different meanings:
The most common and obvious is:
1. To extinguish or make something stop burning, like a fire, a
flame of a candle, or a cigarette. For example:
"Please put out the candle before you leave the room."
"The firefighters worked for days trying to put out the forest
fire.”
This meaning is separable, so we could say put the candle out or
put out the candle. Both are correct.
2. To publish, release, or make something available to the public,
such as a book, album, or an announcement. For example:
"The author will put out a new book next month."
"The band plans to put out their new album next month.”
Although this is separable it is more common to use this meaning
with the verb and preposition together. “to put out a new book”
3. To cause an inconvenience or abuse someone's time or
resources.
"I don't want to put you out, but could you help me move this
heavy table?"
"I don't want to put you out, but could I borrow your car for an
hour?”
Here you would use the format put + someone + out. This phrasal
verb is separable and is always used by placing an object
(someone) in between the verb and preposition. We often use this
format to politely ask someone for assistance.
4. To produce, manufacture, or create something in large
quantities.
This meaning is also separable.
"The factory puts out hundreds of cars every day."Or “The
factory puts hundreds of cars out every day.”
"The tech company puts out new smartphone models every
year.” Or “The tech company puts new smartphone models
out every year.”
5. Setting up for an event with food or furniture or for displaying
something in particular.
This meaning is also separable.
"The host put out a beautiful spread of appetizers for the
guests."
"Let's put the chairs out for the meeting.”
"She put out her artwork for everyone to admire.”
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