What Does “Belt out sth” Mean?
“Belt out sth” means to sing or say something loudly and with strong emotion. It usually refers to singing a song or shouting words in a powerful voice.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “belt out sth” is often used when someone sings or speaks loudly and confidently. The “sth” stands for “something,” meaning you can belt out a song, a phrase, or any kind of sound. Understanding the belt out sth meaning helps English learners express actions related to loud singing or speaking more naturally. This phrase is common in everyday English, especially when talking about music, performances, or moments of excitement. Using “belt out sth” correctly can make your language more vivid and expressive.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: belt out something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to sing or say something loudly and powerfully
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Belt out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (something) between “belt” and “out,” or after both words.
- Subject + belt + object + out
Example: She belted the song out. - Subject + belt out + object
Example: She belted out the song.
Note: The object is usually a noun or noun phrase, often a song, phrase, or words.
How to Use “Belt out sth”?
You use “belt out sth” when describing someone singing or saying something loudly and with energy. It is often informal and used to show enthusiasm or strong emotion. It can describe casual singing at a party, a strong vocal performance, or even shouting something clearly in a noisy place.
For example, you might say: “He belted out his favorite song at the karaoke bar,” or “She belted out the instructions so everyone could hear.”
Examples
- He belted out the national anthem at the stadium.
- During the concert, the lead singer belted out every song flawlessly.
- She belted out a loud laugh that filled the room.
- They belted out their favorite tunes around the campfire.
- John belted out the instructions so nobody missed them.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She belted out loudly the song.
Correct: She belted out the song loudly. - Incorrect: They belted the song out loud.
Correct: They belted out the song loudly. - Incorrect: I belted out singing.
Correct: I belted out the song.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include:
- Sing loudly: More general, less informal than “belt out.”
- Scream: Usually louder and more desperate or emotional, not musical.
- Shout out: To say something loudly, but not usually singing.
- Belt up: A different meaning, meaning to be quiet or to fasten a seatbelt.
“Belt out” specifically describes loud and powerful singing or vocal expression, often with enthusiasm.
Common Collocations
- Belt out a song
- Belt out a tune
- Belt out a chorus
- Belt out the lyrics
- Belt out a laugh
- Belt out instructions
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of belt out sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear Mike last night?
Ben: Yeah! He really belted out that rock song at the party.
Anna: I know, his voice was so loud and clear.
Ben: He definitely knows how to belt out a tune!
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “belt out”:
- She _________ the national anthem beautifully last night.
- We all _________ our favorite songs at the karaoke bar.
- He _________ the instructions so everyone could hear.
Answers: belted out, belted out, belted out
FAQs
- What does “belt out sth” mean?
It means to sing or say something loudly and with strong emotion. - Is “belt out” formal or informal?
It is informal and often used in casual conversations. - Can I use “belt out” with words other than songs?
Yes, you can belt out words, instructions, laughs, or any loud vocal expression. - Is “belt out” separable?
Yes, you can put the object between “belt” and “out” or after them. - What is a common mistake with “belt out”?
Placing the adverb incorrectly, such as before “out” instead of after the object.
