CLEAR OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'clear out' means to remove or dispose of unwanted things or people from a space, creating more room.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'clear out' means to remove or dispose of unwanted things or people from a space, creating more room.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between the verb and the particle.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both casual and professional contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple clear out I need to clear out the garage this weekend.
Past Simple cleared out They cleared out the attic last summer.
Present Continuous clearing out She is clearing out her closet right now.
Present Perfect have cleared out We have cleared out all the old files.

💡 When to Use

Decluttering spaces
Use it when you want to remove unnecessary items from an area to make it more organized.
Example: "Let's clear out the basement to make more room for storage."
Evacuating people
Use it to describe the act of making people leave a place, often for safety reasons.
Example: "The fire alarm forced everyone to clear out of the building."
End of a sale
Use it to describe selling off the remaining items in stock, often at discount rates.
Example: "The store is clearing out their summer stock with a big sale."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using without object
❌ Wrong: I need to clear out.
✅ Correct: I need to clear out my drawer.
💡 Tip: Remember to specify what you are clearing out.
Intransitive usage
❌ Wrong: They clear out every day.
✅ Correct: They clear out the storage room every day.
💡 Tip: Ensure the verb is followed by a direct object.
Non-separable usage
❌ Wrong: Clear the attic out.
✅ Correct: Clear out the attic.
💡 Tip: Use 'clear out' together or place the object between them.
Practice

CLEAR 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

evacuate empty

Antonyms

fill

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Please ___ the room before the new furniture arrives."

empty
clear out
evacuate
fill

"To clear out the clutter in one's mind is to invite clarity, peace, and the serenity that fuels genuine wisdom."

In Context

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many families in the United States faced uncertainty and hardship, forcing them to clear out their homes of unnecessary possessions. Sarah Wilson, a mother of three from Ohio, was among them. Her husband had lost his job, so they decided to sell off what they could to sustain their family. Slowly, they began to clear out their belongings, holding garage sales every weekend. At first, they struggled with parting from their beloved items, but as they continued to clear out more, they discovered a newfound sense of resilience and community. Neighbors, also affected by the Depression, would come by, share their stories, and purchase the items they needed. In this way, Sarah's family managed to survive, using every bit of space and every resource that was cleared out to make room for life's essentials. By 1935, as the nation started to recover, Sarah's family was not only surviving but thriving, having learned how to live with less and appreciate more. The act of clearing out their home had not only provided financial relief but had also brought them closer to their community. Their story became a symbol of adaptation and resilience during one of America's toughest times.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Clear Out

What is the origin of 'clear out'?

+
'Clear out' originates from Middle English, with 'clear' deriving from Old French 'cler' meaning bright, and 'out' as a directional particle indicating removal.

Can 'clear out' be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'clear out' can be used in both formal and informal contexts without issue, as it is a neutral phrasal verb suitable for various settings.

What is the difference between 'clear out' and 'evacuate'?

+
While 'clear out' can mean removing items or people, 'evacuate' specifically refers to the removal of people quickly from a place, usually for safety.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

clean outthrow outpack upget outmove out
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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