"To vote out what no longer serves justice is a timeless act of courage and wisdom for advancing society's moral fabric."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'vote out' refers to the removal of a person from a position or office through a democratic voting process. This emphasizes a collective decision to discontinue someone's authority or role, often due to a loss of trust or approval.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'vote out' refers to the removal of a person from a position or office through a democratic voting process. This emphasizes a collective decision to discontinue someone's authority or role, often due to a loss of trust or approval.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can place an object between 'vote' and 'out.'
Register
Neutral
Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object, the person or thing being removed.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple vote out They vote out any board member not fulfilling responsibilities.
Past Simple voted out The council voted out the mayor last week.
Present Continuous voting out The community is considering voting out the chairman.
Present Perfect have voted out They have voted out three members this year.

💡 When to Use

Removing elected officials
Useful in contexts where someone is removed from office through a democratic vote due to dissatisfaction or misconduct.
Example: "The committee voted out the president after the scandal."
Changing leadership roles
Applicable when a group decides to replace someone in a leadership position because they failed to meet expectations.
Example: "The shareholders voted out the CEO after poor financial results."
Club or organization decisions
Appropriate when discussing the removal of someone from a position within clubs or voluntary organizations by a member vote.
Example: "Members voted out the treasurer at the annual meeting."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacing object
❌ Wrong: They voted the manager out of.
✅ Correct: They voted out the manager.
💡 Tip: Remember to place the object between 'vote' and 'out' in separable phrasal verbs.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: They vote outed the leader.
✅ Correct: They voted out the leader.
💡 Tip: Ensure correct past tense 'voted' is used, not 'vote outed'.
Using without object
❌ Wrong: They will vote out soon.
✅ Correct: They will vote out the chairperson soon.
💡 Tip: Always include the object being voted out.
Practice

VOTE 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

  • 1
    Listen to example

    The council voted out the chairman due to his unethical behavior.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 2
    Listen to example

    After the scandal, the committee swiftly voted out key board members.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 3
    Listen to example

    Shareholders voted out the CEO to restore the company's reputation.

    TV The Magic Box

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

oust remove

Antonyms

elect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The members decided to ______ their unpopular leader."

voted in
vote out
elect out
selected

Frequently Asked Questions about Vote Out

What is the origin of vote out?

+
The term 'vote out' originated from democratic practices where members of a group or electoral body use their votes to remove someone from office. This reflects the power and responsibility inherent in democratic systems, ensuring that leaders remain accountable to the public's will.

Can vote out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'vote out' is appropriate in various contexts. It is used in both formal settings, like political or organizational contexts, and more informal situations, such as club decisions. Its neutrality makes it versatile across different scenarios of leadership change or removal.

What is the difference between vote out and oust?

+
'Vote out' specifically involves removal through a democratic voting process, emphasizing collective decision-making. 'Oust' is broader, indicating removal by any means, including force or an authoritative decision. While both entail displacement, 'vote out' underscores the democratic aspect of the process.
Browse All TV The Magic Box Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication 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



0%
Scroll to Top