What Does “Blurt sth out” Mean?
“Blurt sth out” means to say something suddenly and without thinking carefully, often revealing a secret or private information unintentionally.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “blurt sth out” is commonly used in everyday English to describe when someone speaks abruptly, usually without considering the consequences. The blurt sth out meaning involves expressing thoughts or feelings quickly and unexpectedly, often surprising others. This expression is useful when talking about moments where people accidentally reveal information or speak too soon. Knowing how to use “blurt sth out” helps learners sound more natural and understand conversations better.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: blurt something out
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to say something suddenly and without thinking
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Blurt sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object either between “blurt” and “out” or after “out.”
- blurt something out (correct) — e.g., She blurted the secret out.
- blurt out something (correct) — e.g., He blurted out the answer.
Both forms are acceptable, but the object must be a noun or pronoun.
How to Use “Blurt sth out”?
Use “blurt sth out” when someone says something suddenly without thinking. It often happens when a person is nervous, excited, or forgets to keep a secret. This phrasal verb is mostly used in informal speech and writing.
Examples of contexts include sharing a secret accidentally, revealing plans too early, or speaking out of turn during a conversation.
Examples
- She blurted out the surprise party plans before the event.
- Don’t blurt out the answer during the quiz!
- He blurted out his feelings without thinking about the consequences.
- Try not to blurt out any secrets during the meeting.
- Why did you blurt out that embarrassing story?
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She blurted out quickly the secret.
Correct: She blurted the secret out quickly. - Incorrect: He blurted out the quickly answer.
Correct: He blurted out the answer quickly. - Incorrect: Blurt out the secret.
Correct: Don’t blurt the secret out.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Spill the beans: To reveal a secret deliberately or accidentally. It is often informal and can be playful.
- Let slip: To accidentally reveal information without intending to.
- Blurt out is more sudden and usually unplanned, emphasizing the impulsive nature of speaking.
While “spill the beans” and “let slip” focus on revealing secrets, “blurt sth out” highlights the suddenness and lack of control when speaking.
Common Collocations
- blurt out a secret
- blurt out the truth
- blurt out an answer
- blurt out feelings
- blurt out a confession
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Don’t tell anyone about the surprise party!
Ben: I won’t. I promise.
Anna: Okay, good. We want it to be a secret.
Ben: Oh no! I just blurted it out to Sarah!
Anna: You did what? Now everyone will know!
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “blurt sth out”:
- She accidentally __________ the answer during the test.
- Don’t __________ the secret; it’s supposed to be a surprise.
- He __________ his feelings before thinking about the consequences.
FAQs
- What does “blurt sth out” mean?
It means to say something suddenly and without thinking, often revealing a secret.
- Is “blurt sth out” formal or informal?
It is mostly informal and used in casual conversations.
- Can I separate the words in “blurt sth out”?
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say “blurt something out” or “blurt out something.”
- What is a synonym for “blurt sth out”?
“Spill the beans” or “let slip” are similar, but “blurt out” emphasizes suddenness.
- Can “blurt sth out” be used in writing?
Yes, but mostly in informal or conversational writing.
