DRIVE OUT

📖 Definition

To drive out means to force someone or something to leave a place or situation. Often used in contexts of expulsion or eradication, it implies a deliberate action to remove unwelcome elements.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To drive out means to force someone or something to leave a place or situation. Often used in contexts of expulsion or eradication, it implies a deliberate action to remove unwelcome elements.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between 'drive' and 'out'.
Register
Neutral
Commonly used in both informal and formal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple drive out They drive out pests from the garden every summer.
Past Simple drove out The reformers drove out corruption from the organization.
Present Continuous driving out The company is driving out inefficiencies to boost productivity.
Present Perfect have driven out They have driven out the invaders successfully.

💡 When to Use

Pest removal
When you need to talk about removing pests or vermin from a specific area.
Example: "Farmers often drive out locusts to protect their crops."
Eliminating negative influences
Use when discussing the eradication of harmful influences or practices.
Example: "New policies are implemented to drive out corruption."
Exile or eviction
Applicable when referring to forcing someone to leave a place.
Example: "The rebels were driven out of the city by the army."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition usage
❌ Wrong: They drive off the unwanted guests.
✅ Correct: They drive out the unwanted guests.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'drive out' focuses on removal, not merely departure.
Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: They have drive out the invaders.
✅ Correct: They have driven out the invaders.
💡 Tip: Use the past participle 'driven' in perfect tenses.
Separable mistake
❌ Wrong: They drive them out pests.
✅ Correct: They drive the pests out.
💡 Tip: Place the object either between or after 'drive out'.
Practice

DRIVE 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

expel evict

Antonyms

welcome

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many years ago, reformers ___ corruption from the system."

driven in
drive out
welcome out
drive up

"To drive out fear, one must cultivate courage, for courage is the only force strong enough to overcome what torments the soul."

In Context

During the late 1600s, King Louis XIV of France sought to unify his kingdom under Catholicism, leading to the persecution of the Huguenots, French Protestants. Revoking the Edict of Nantes in 1685, he aimed to drive out the Protestant faith from his lands. This action sparked a mass exodus of Huguenots who feared for their safety and religious freedom. Faced with the choice of conversion or exile, many chose to flee, driven out by oppressive measures. They found refuge in countries like England, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Among them was Pastor Pierre Jurieu, a prominent Huguenot who encouraged resistance against the King's edict. Jurieu's writings urged French Protestants to remain steadfast in their beliefs, even as attempts to drive out their faith continued. Over time, the king's attempts to drive out the Huguenot influence ultimately harmed France's economy, as the exiled skilled artisans contributed significantly to their new host countries. The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes serves as a poignant historical lesson on the dangers of intolerance and the resilience of those who stand firm in their beliefs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drive Out

What is the origin of drive out?

+
The term 'drive out' originated from Old and Middle English, with 'drive' meaning to chase or force and 'out' denoting expulsion, often used in religious and military contexts.

Can drive out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'drive out' is versatile and can be used in both formal contexts, such as academic or official reports, and informal settings, like casual conversations or media.

What is the difference between drive out and expel?

+
'Drive out' implies an action of forcing to leave, often with intent of clearing an area, while 'expel' is more formal, often involving authority and regulations.
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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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