Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Take Out'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'take out' means to remove someone or something from a place, to arrange for someone to go somewhere, or to kill.

Examples in context

Every Friday, we take out the trash to the main street for collection.
In action movies, the hero often takes out multiple adversaries with ease.
The couple decided to take out food from their favorite Italian restaurant.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'take out' means to remove someone or something from a place, to arrange for someone to go somewhere, or to kill.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'take' and 'out'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object after the verb phrase.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	take out	I take out the trash every evening.
Past Simple	took out	She took out her friend to dinner last Friday.
Present Continuous	taking out	He is taking out the recycling now.
Present Perfect	have taken out	We have taken out a loan for the new car.

💡 When to Use

Ordering food to go

Use when referring to food or drink that is prepared at a restaurant for consumption elsewhere.

Example: "They ordered pizza to take out."

Eliminating a target

Often used in military or strategic contexts to mean removing an adversary or threat.

Example: "The general's plan was to take out the enemy's supply lines."

Inviting someone out

Used when describing taking someone on a date or to an event.

Example: "He promised to take out his sister for ice cream."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong object placement

❌ Wrong: Take the trash out.

✅ Correct: Take out the trash.

💡 Tip: Place 'out' immediately after 'take'.

Incorrect form

❌ Wrong: Taken out he the enemy.

✅ Correct: He took out the enemy.

💡 Tip: Use correct verb tense.

Wrong context use

❌ Wrong: She took out to the office.

✅ Correct: She went to the office.

💡 Tip: Use 'take out' when removal is involved.

Practice

TAKE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Every Friday, we take out the trash to the main street for collection.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

In action movies, the hero often takes out multiple adversaries with ease.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The couple decided to take out food from their favorite Italian restaurant.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

remove eliminate

Antonyms

keep

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He plans to ___ his girlfriend for a fancy dinner."

take in

take out

take over

take on

"To truly understand happiness, take out the moments of stress and appreciate the quiet joys life often hides."

In Context

In 1960, Chen Yi, a general from China, orchestrated a bold operation to take out critical enemy positions during the Sino-Indian War. His strategic acumen was renowned, and his plan involved a risky night maneuver through the rugged terrains of the Himalayas where the soldiers were tasked to silently take out the enemy’s lookout posts without alerting their main forces. This difficult task required not only bravery but also great coordination among Chen's forces. As the night unfolded, Chen’s forces successfully took out the enemy's communications line, plunging their adversaries into confusion. This unexpected move shifted the momentum in favor of Chen’s troops, allowing them to gain a strategic foothold. The mission's success was a testament to Chen Yi's leadership and his soldiers' resolve, as they managed to take out several key adversaries, turning the tide of the conflict momentarily. The valiant efforts, although temporary, were enough to initiate peace talks. Though the outcome of the conflict eventually required political resolutions, the courageous maneuvers that night showcased Chen Yi's tactical genius.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Out

What is the origin of take out?

The term 'take out' originates from Middle English, evolving from the Old English 'tācen ót,' meaning to extract or remove, and has been in use since the 16th century.

Can take out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'take out' is versatile and suits both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it means arrangement of formal removal, whereas informally, it often refers to extracting objects.

What is the difference between take out and remove?

'Take out' often implies physical removal with a direct action or implication of force, whereas 'remove' is more sensitive, focusing on detachment or separation.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

TAKE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega