WEAR OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

To wear out means to use something until it becomes damaged or no longer effective. It can also refer to exhausting a person through repeated efforts or activities.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To wear out means to use something until it becomes damaged or no longer effective. It can also refer to exhausting a person through repeated efforts or activities.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between 'wear' and 'out' or after 'out'.
Register
Neutral
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object, as in 'wear out the shoes'.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple wear out He tends to wear out his shoes quickly.
Past Simple wore out She wore out the old carpet over the years.
Present Continuous wearing out The constant walking is wearing out my boots.
Present Perfect have worn out They have worn out the welcome mat with their frequent visits.

💡 When to Use

Overused objects
Describing objects that have become ineffective due to excessive use.
Example: "After years of use, the vacuum cleaner finally wore out."
Exhausted individuals
Describing someone who is tired or worn down from work or activity.
Example: "The long hike wore out the whole family."
Repeated stress situations
When a situation or task repeatedly drains energy or resources.
Example: "The deadline pressure eventually wore out the team."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order
❌ Wrong: The shoes out wear very fast.
✅ Correct: The shoes wear out very fast.
💡 Tip: Remember that 'wear out' must be together.
Using intransitively
❌ Wrong: She wears out quickly.
✅ Correct: The long run wears her out quickly.
💡 Tip: Ensure 'wear out' has an object.
Tense error
❌ Wrong: He have worn out the jacket.
✅ Correct: He has worn out the jacket.
💡 Tip: Use 'has' or 'have' for perfect tense.
Practice

WEAR 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

exhaust deplete

Antonyms

rejuvenate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The marathon will surely ___ even the most seasoned athletes."

wear in
wear out
wear on
wear up

"Even the strongest will wear out, for persistence must be gently nurtured, not relentlessly pursued to the point of exhaustion."

In Context

In the early 20th century, Thomas Edison was a symbol of relentless innovation. He famously stated that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. This belief inevitably led him to physically wear out, working tirelessly on his many inventions. Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park was a constant hive of activity. His employees often marveled at his stamina, though it was clear how he could wear out those around him with his demanding pace. Edison's pursuit of perfecting the electric light bulb saw him go through thousands of experiments. As the years progressed, his long hours and intense focus began to wear out his health. Despite these challenges, he persisted, bringing numerous groundbreaking technologies to the world. Edison's life is a testament to the idea that while perseverance is necessary, one must recognize the limits of human endurance. By the time he passed away in 1931, Edison had not only worn out materials in his lab but had also pushed his body to its limits. His legacy remains a lesson in the importance of balance in the pursuit of greatness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wear Out

What is the origin of wear out?

+
The term 'wear out' derives from Old English 'werian,' meaning 'to wear.' It evolved in the English language to describe exhaustion through use by the 17th century.

Can wear out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'wear out' is versatile and can be used in both contexts. It effectively conveys exhaustion or deterioration due to extended use or stress.

What is the difference between wear out and exhaust?

+
'Wear out' often implies physical deterioration, while 'exhaust' is more commonly used for mental or physical tiredness, although they are sometimes interchangeable.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

tire outexhaustfatiguedrainweaken
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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