Put Out – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever blown out a candle, released a new song online, or asked a neighbor to move their car blocking your driveway? In English, all these actions can use the phrase put out. This flexible phrasal verb has several key meanings—and context tells you which one is intended.
What Does “Put Out” Mean?
“Put out” has three main uses:
1. To extinguish a fire, flame, or light: “Firefighters put out the blaze quickly.”
2. To publish or release something (like music, news, or products): “The band put out a new album last week.”
3. To cause someone inconvenience or trouble (often used passively): “I hope I’m not putting you out by arriving late.”
Think of it like snuffing a flame, launching something into the world, or stepping on someone’s time—the meaning changes with the situation.
When to Use It
Use “put out” in everyday, neutral, or polite contexts:
• For fires or lights: “Put out the campfire before you leave.”
• In media, music, or business: “They’re putting out a new app next month.”
• When apologizing for a burden: “Sorry to put you out—I really appreciate your help.”
It’s common in speaking, news, and casual writing. Avoid it in formal reports unless describing a fire or official release.
Example Sentences
- The firefighters put out the house fire in under 20 minutes.
- She put out a statement clarifying her position.
- I don’t want to put you out, but can I borrow your charger?
- The studio just put out the trailer for their new movie.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Thanks again for picking me up at midnight.”
Jamie: “No problem—you didn’t put me out at all!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “put out” with “put off” (which means to delay or repel). Also, when “put out” means “cause inconvenience,” it’s almost always used in the passive (“I don’t want to put you out”) or with “someone” as the object—not for things.
❌ Don’t say: “The loud music put out my concentration.” (Use “put off” or “distracted.”)
✅ Do say: “Put out the candles before bed.”
✅ Do say: “We put out a newsletter every Friday.”
Practice Tip
Next time you turn off a flame, hear about a new release, or ask for a favor, say: “Put out the lantern,” “They put out a new song,” or “I hope I’m not putting you out.” Using the phrase in real contexts builds natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “put out” to talk about fires, releases, and polite apologies—with clarity and confidence. It’s a small phrase with big everyday use, heard in news, music, and kind conversations. Keep listening for it in context, and soon you’ll know exactly which meaning fits. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people respond to flames, launch ideas, and show care. Keep going—you’ve got this!
