BLOT OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

Blot out means to obscure, hide, or erase something completely from view or memory, often dealing with unwanted or painful details.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

Blot out means to obscure, hide, or erase something completely from view or memory, often dealing with unwanted or painful details.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between 'blot' and 'out'.
Register
Neutral
It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Blot out requires a direct object, something to be obscured.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple blot out She tries to blot out sad memories.
Past Simple blotted out He blotted out the images from his mind.
Present Continuous blotting out They are blotting out the graffiti.
Present Perfect have blotted out We have blotted out our mistakes from the report.

💡 When to Use

To remove unpleasant memories
Use when discussing efforts to mentally erase unpleasant or traumatic memories from one's consciousness.
Example: "She wanted to blot out the painful events of her past."
To obscure visibility
Use when talking about something that physically covers or hides an object or scene from view.
Example: "Clouds can blot out the sun, casting everything in shadow."
To eliminate mistakes or errors
Use when talking about removing errors from documents or records to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Example: "Editorial changes helped to blot out the inconsistencies in the document."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: She out blot the mistake.
✅ Correct: She blot out the mistake.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'out' follows 'blot' without separation unless the object is inserted.
Wrong tense usage
❌ Wrong: He blotting out the error yesterday.
✅ Correct: He blotted out the error yesterday.
💡 Tip: Ensure the verb tense matches the time of action.
Incorrect use as an intransitive verb
❌ Wrong: The memory will blot out.
✅ Correct: The event will blot out the memory.
💡 Tip: A direct object is always needed.
Practice

BLOT 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

erase obliterate

Antonyms

reveal

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The dense fog managed to ___ the distant mountains."

block out
blot out
erase out
hide out

"Sometimes, to find peace, we must blot out the distractions that hinder our journey to serenity and simplicity."

In Context

In 1666, London was ravaged by the Great Fire, transforming the city landscape entirely. Sir Christopher Wren, an architect of great renown, saw this as an opportunity to redesign the city. While the fire had blotted out many of London's ancient structures, Wren's visionary plans included a network of wide streets and grand buildings. St. Paul's Cathedral, one of his crowning achievements, symbolized resilience and rebirth. In the aftermath of the fire, many citizens felt their past lives were blotted out by the disaster. Yet, Wren and his colleagues worked tirelessly to develop innovative designs, attempting to blot out the devastation with new beginnings. By the time the reconstruction was complete, Wren's work had not only restored but also greatly enhanced the elegance of London. His architectural brilliance blotted out the scars of the fire, and the city emerged stronger, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Blot Out

What is the origin of blot out?

+
The phrase 'blot out' originates from the practice of blotting ink on paper to correct writing mistakes, symbolizing the removal or erasure.

Can blot out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'blot out' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, suitable for conversations and written works where obscuring or erasing is discussed.

What is the difference between blot out and erase?

+
'Blot out' often implies obscuring with a covering action or memory suppression. 'Erase' typically involves removing marks from a surface or clearing data.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

block outwipe outblack outblank outcover up
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks 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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