What Does “Blot sb out of sth” Mean?
“Blot sb out of sth” means to remove or erase someone from a particular list, memory, or situation, often intentionally.
Introduction
The phrase “blot sb out of sth” is a useful English expression that means to deliberately remove someone from something, such as a record, memory, or event. It is often used when someone wants to erase a person’s presence or influence from a particular context. Understanding the “blot sb out of sth meaning” helps learners use this phrasal verb naturally in conversations and writing. This phrase is common in formal and informal English, and knowing how to use it can improve your communication, especially when discussing exclusion or deletion in social, historical, or personal contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: blot sb out of sth (blot somebody out of something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to remove or erase someone from something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Blot sb out of sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can insert the object (sb) between “blot” and “out,” but usually, “blot” is followed immediately by the object.
- Pattern 1: blot somebody out of something
- Example: They blotted him out of the official records.
The verb is always followed by “out of” plus the thing from which the person is removed.
How to Use “Blot sb out of sth”?
Use this phrase when you want to express that someone has been intentionally erased or excluded from a group, document, memory, or situation. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
- To talk about removing someone’s name from a list or record.
- To describe forgetting or ignoring someone in memories or stories.
- To explain exclusion from an event or group.
Examples
- The editor blotted the controversial author out of the anthology.
- She felt as if her past was blotted out of the family history.
- The company blotted the former employee out of all official documents.
- They blotted the traitor out of the group’s story.
- Blot sb out of sth in a sentence: The government blotted him out of the official records after the scandal.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: They blotted out him of the list.
- Correct: They blotted him out of the list.
- Incorrect: She blotted out her brother from the photo.
- Correct: She blotted her brother out of the photo.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “cross sb off,” “erase sb from,” and “strike sb out.” However, “blot sb out of sth” often implies a stronger or more deliberate removal, sometimes with emotional or historical weight.
- Cross sb off: Usually used for lists, less formal.
- Erase sb from: More general, can be used for physical or digital removal.
- Strike sb out: Often used in legal or sports contexts.
- Blot sb out of sth: Implies intentional and sometimes permanent exclusion.
Common Collocations
- blot sb out of history
- blot sb out of records
- blot sb out of memory
- blot sb out of a list
- blot sb out of a story
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of blot sb out of sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear they blotted John out of the project report?
Ben: Yes, I was surprised. It’s like he never worked on it.
Anna: Exactly, they want to erase his contribution completely.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “blot sb out of sth”:
They decided to _______ the former leader _______ the official history book.
- a) blot / out of
- b) blot out / of
- c) blot / out
FAQs
- Q: Can “blot sb out of sth” be used in informal English?
A: Yes, but it is more common in formal or written English. - Q: Is “blot sb out of sth” always negative?
A: Usually, yes, because it implies removal or exclusion. - Q: Can I use “blot sb out of sth” for forgetting someone?
A: Yes, figuratively it can mean erasing someone from memory. - Q: What is the difference between “blot sb out of sth” and “cross sb off”?
A: “Blot out” is stronger and more permanent; “cross off” is casual and usually for lists. - Q: Is this phrase separable?
A: Yes, you can place the object between “blot” and “out.”
