What Does “Cast sb out of sth” Mean?
“Cast sb out of sth” means to force someone to leave a place or group, often because they are not welcome or allowed to stay.
Introduction
The phrase “cast sb out of sth” is a common English phrasal verb used to describe the action of expelling or excluding someone from a place, organization, or community. It often implies a strong or official rejection, where the person is not just leaving voluntarily but is forced or rejected. Understanding the cast sb out of sth meaning helps learners communicate situations involving exclusion or rejection more naturally. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts, such as stories, history, or everyday conversations involving social groups or homes.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: cast sb out of sth (cast somebody out of something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to force someone to leave a place or group
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Cast sb out of sth” is a separable phrasal verb with a fixed pattern:
- Subject + cast + somebody + out of + something
Example: They cast him out of the club.
Note that “sb” (somebody) is always placed between “cast” and “out,” and “out” cannot be separated from “of sth.”
How to Use “Cast sb out of sth”?
Use this phrase when talking about someone being forced to leave a specific place, group, or community. It often has a negative or serious tone, implying rejection or punishment. You can use it in stories, reports, or conversations about social exclusion, religious banishment, or even family disputes.
Examples
- The villagers cast the thief out of the town.
- After breaking the rules, she was cast out of the club.
- The king cast the traitor out of the kingdom.
- He was cast out of his family because of his choices.
- They cast the corrupt official out of the organization.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: They cast out him of the group.
Correct: They cast him out of the group. - Incorrect: She was cast out the club.
Correct: She was cast out of the club.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include kick sb out of sth and throw sb out of sth. While all mean forcing someone to leave, “cast sb out of sth” is often more formal or literary. “Kick out” and “throw out” are more informal and common in spoken English.
Example difference:
- They cast him out of the church (formal, serious).
- The bouncer kicked him out of the bar (informal).
Common Collocations
- cast sb out of the house
- cast sb out of the family
- cast sb out of the community
- cast sb out of the group
- cast sb out of the country
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of cast sb out of sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear about Mark? He was cast out of the club last week.
John: Really? What happened?
Anna: He broke the rules several times, so they had no choice but to cast him out of the group.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “cast sb out of sth”:
- After the scandal, they ______ him ______ the company.
- The community ______ the dishonest member ______ the village.
- She was ______ ______ the family for her decisions.
FAQs
- Q: Can “cast sb out of sth” be used in informal speech?
A: It is usually more formal or literary but can be used informally to sound serious. - Q: Is “cast sb out” separable?
A: Yes, you separate “sb” between “cast” and “out.” - Q: What is the difference between “cast sb out” and “kick sb out”?
A: “Cast sb out” is more formal; “kick sb out” is informal. - Q: Can “cast sb out of sth” refer to physical or social exclusion?
A: Yes, it can refer to both physical removal and social rejection. - Q: Is “cast sb out” used in modern English?
A: Yes, but it is less common in casual conversation than “kick out” or “throw out.”
