What Does “Block sb out” Mean?
“Block sb out” means to deliberately ignore or avoid someone, or to prevent someone from affecting your thoughts or feelings.
Introduction
The phrase “block sb out” is a common phrasal verb in English. It is used when someone wants to stop another person from disturbing them mentally or emotionally. For example, you might block someone out during a difficult conversation or when you want to focus without distractions. Understanding the block sb out meaning helps you communicate how you avoid negative feelings or interruptions caused by others. It is useful in both personal and professional contexts, making it a valuable phrase to know.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: block somebody out
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to ignore or shut someone out mentally or emotionally
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Block sb out” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- block someone out
- block out someone
Both forms are correct, but “block someone out” is more common.
How to Use “Block sb out”?
Use “block sb out” when you want to describe ignoring someone or preventing their influence on your mind or emotions. It can refer to ignoring noise, thoughts, or people. It is often used in situations involving stress, focus, or emotional protection.
Example contexts:
- Ignoring a distracting person during work
- Not letting someone’s negative comments affect you
- Mentally shutting out an ex-partner after a breakup
Examples
- She blocked him out during the meeting because he was being rude.
- It’s hard to block out the noise when you’re trying to study.
- He blocked out all negative thoughts and focused on his goals.
- Block sb out in a sentence: I try to block my noisy neighbors out when I’m working.
- They blocked out the distractions and finished the project on time.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I block out him during conversations.
Correct: I block him out during conversations. - Incorrect: She blocked out to her friend.
Correct: She blocked her friend out. - Incorrect: Block out someone your feelings.
Correct: Block someone out to protect your feelings.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Ignore: Simply not paying attention, but less emotional than “block sb out.”
- Shut sb out: More about excluding someone emotionally or socially.
- Block out: Can also mean to forget or erase memories, but “block sb out” focuses on ignoring a person.
The key difference is that “block sb out” implies a conscious effort to avoid someone’s influence.
Common Collocations
- block someone out mentally
- block someone out emotionally
- block someone out of your mind
- block someone out during a conversation
- block out distractions/noise
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of block sb out:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: I can’t focus when Mark keeps interrupting me.
Ben: Maybe you should just block him out and keep working.
Anna: You’re right. I’ll try to block him out and finish this report.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “block sb out”:
- When I’m studying, I try to _______ loud noises _______.
- She decided to _______ her ex-boyfriend _______ after the breakup.
- It’s important to _______ negative comments _______ to stay positive.
FAQs
- What does “block sb out” mean? It means to ignore or mentally shut someone out.
- Is “block sb out” formal or informal? It is informal and commonly used in everyday English.
- Can I use “block sb out” in professional settings? Yes, especially when talking about focusing or ignoring distractions.
- Is “block sb out” separable? Yes, you can say “block someone out” or “block out someone.”
- What is the difference between “block sb out” and “ignore”? “Block sb out” often implies a stronger, deliberate mental effort to exclude someone.
