Comprehensive Guide to the Phrase “Take Out”
take out – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “take out” functions primarily as a verb in English. It can mean to remove or extract something from its current position, often implying some form of action leading to that removal. Additionally, it can refer to accompanying someone with the purpose of spending time together, such as “taking out” a date. This versatility allows it to fit into various contexts and nuances.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing key synonyms for take out, each accompanied by a brief definition or nuance, an example sentence, and the style/register where they are most commonly used:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove | To extract or take away something from a place. | “Please remove your shoes before entering the house.” | Formal, Neutral |
| Extract | To pull out something, often with care or precision. | “The dentist needs to extract the decayed tooth.” | Medical/Technical |
| Withdraw | To take back or move away from a position. | “She decided to withdraw her application for the job.” | Formal, Business |
| Accompany | To go somewhere with someone else for company. | “He took out his girlfriend to the new Italian restaurant.” | Informal/Neutral |
| Evict | To legally remove someone from a property or place. | “The landlord had no choice but to evict the tenants.” | Formal, Legal |
Usage Notes
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Remove: Commonly used in both formal and casual contexts. Suitable for situations where something is being taken away physically, like items on a table or parts of machinery.
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Extract: Often found in scientific, technical, or medical contexts, this synonym is perfect when precision and care are involved in the action.
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Withdraw: Used more formally, especially in financial or business scenarios. It implies a voluntary action to take back something offered, such as money from an account or an application for a job.
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Accompany: This is informal yet polite, best used when referring to spending time with someone, often in a social context like going to dinner or the movies.
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Evict: Specifically legal and formal. It denotes a forceful removal of tenants by law due to issues such as non-payment of rent.
Common Pitfalls
A common misunderstanding arises between “remove” and “extract.” While both mean to take something out, “extract” often implies more care or precision in the action, making it less interchangeable with “remove.”
Another frequent confusion is mixing up “take out” with “evict,” especially among non-native speakers. “Take out” can be casual or even affectionate (as in a date), while “evict” carries a legal and serious connotation.
Final Recap
In summary, take out has multiple synonyms that depend heavily on context:
- Use remove for general situations needing physical extraction.
- Opt for extract when precision is involved, such as in medical or technical settings.
- Choose withdraw in business or financial contexts to imply voluntary retraction.
- Use accompany casually when referring to going out with someone for company.
- Select evict strictly in legal and formal scenarios of enforced removal.
To become comfortable with these synonyms, practice creating your own sentences based on various situations. This will enhance not only your vocabulary but also your ability to choose the right word for any context you encounter.