LOCK OUT

Tiny House

📖 Definition

Lock out means to prevent someone from entering a place by securing all points of access, typically to exert control or exclusion.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

Lock out means to prevent someone from entering a place by securing all points of access, typically to exert control or exclusion.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The verb and particle can be separated, e.g., lock someone out.
Register
Neutral
It is commonly used in both spoken and written language.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object, someone or something being locked out.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple lock out They often lock out noisy guests.
Past Simple locked out Yesterday, the store locked out early shoppers.
Present Continuous locking out She's locking out anyone without a ticket.
Present Perfect have locked out They have locked out employees during negotiations.

💡 When to Use

Business negotiations
Used when a company excludes workers from the premises to exert pressure during labor disputes.
Example: "The company decided to lock out the workers who were protesting."
Social exclusion
Applied when someone is physically or metaphorically excluded from an event or activity.
Example: "She felt they were locking her out of the planning process."
Security context
To describe securing a location by preventing entry through locks or other means.
Example: "They locked out the building after business hours to ensure security."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order
❌ Wrong: Out lock the disobedient employees.
✅ Correct: Lock out the disobedient employees.
💡 Tip: Remember 'lock out,' then who or what is locked out.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: She locked out.
✅ Correct: She locked out her brother.
💡 Tip: Always specify who or what is being locked out.
Using with an intransitive meaning
❌ Wrong: He decided to lock out at 5 PM.
✅ Correct: He decided to clock out at 5 PM.
💡 Tip: 'Lock out' requires an object; use 'clock out' for leaving work.
Practice

LOCK OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

bar out exclude

Antonyms

admit

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The workers decided to ___ anyone trying to enter during the strike."

lock in
lock out
shut in
admit out

"To lock out negativity is to give peace the key to your heart's door, welcoming only positive energies inside."

In Context

In 1926, the United Kingdom faced a significant industrial standoff known as the General Strike, which occurred from May 3rd to May 12th. This event was a direct reaction to wage reductions and deteriorating working conditions. When coal miners protested these changes, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) supported their cause, leading almost 1.7 million workers to go on strike. The government, fearing a collapse of essential services, enacted emergency measures. Workers found themselves locked out of their workplaces as employers shut down factories and transportation services to stifle the momentum of the strike. Throughout Britain, frequent meetings and protests were organized, yet many workers still found themselves locked out. The nation's economy teetered on the brink as essential resources dwindled, with strikers locking out any attempts by the government to substitute their labor. After nine tumultuous days, the TUC, under immense political and economic pressure, called off the strike, despite the ongoing lockouts. Returning to work, many workers discovered they had been permanently locked out, having lost their jobs as consequences of the tense negotiations. While the strike did not achieve all its goals, it highlighted the struggles of workers and forced the government to notice labor rights issues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lock Out

What is the origin of lock out?

+
The term 'lock out' emerged in the late 19th century during labor disputes when employers would literally lock their doors to prevent workers from entering, forcing them to acquiesce to terms.

Can lock out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'lock out' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it often refers to labor disputes, while informally, it can describe personal or social exclusions.

What is the difference between lock out and bar out?

+
'Lock out' often implies a deliberate and controlled exclusion involving locks or doors, whereas 'bar out' suggests prohibiting entry typically with barriers, not necessarily involving locks.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

shut outkeep outblock outfreeze outexclude from
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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