What Does โCount sb outโ Mean?
โCount sb outโ means to exclude someone from a group or activity, or to decide that someone will not participate or succeed.
Introduction
The phrase โcount sb outโ is a common English phrasal verb used in everyday conversations. It often means to exclude someone from an event, plan, or decision. Sometimes, it can also mean to decide that someone will not succeed or is no longer considered a contender. Understanding the count sb out meaning helps learners use it naturally in speech and writing. This expression is useful in both formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable addition to your English vocabulary.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: count somebody out
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to exclude someone from participation or to decide someone will not succeed
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โCount sb outโ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object (somebody) between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- count somebody out
- count out somebody
Example patterns:
- Count him out of the game.
- They decided to count her out.
How to Use โCount sb outโ?
You use โcount sb outโ when you want to say that someone is not included in a plan or activity. It can also mean that you believe someone will not succeed or is no longer able to continue. The phrase is often used in sports, competitions, or group decisions.
Examples
- Donโt count me out of the meeting; I want to join.
- After his injury, everyone counted him out of the race.
- They counted her out when she missed the deadline.
- He was counted out as a serious candidate for the job.
- Even if they count you out, you can still prove them wrong.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: Count out me in the game.
Correct: Count me out in the game. - Incorrect: Count out him from the team.
Correct: Count him out from the team. - Incorrect: Count sb out means to count numbers.
Correct: โCount sb outโ means to exclude someone.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Leave sb out: Focuses only on excluding someone from a list or group.
- Rule sb out: Means to decide someone is not suitable or possible for something.
- Write sb off: Means to give up hope on someoneโs success.
Count sb out often implies actively excluding or doubting someoneโs participation or success, while leave sb out is more neutral and write sb off is stronger, meaning giving up on someone.
Common Collocations
- count somebody out of the game
- count somebody out of the competition
- count somebody out of a decision
- count somebody out of the team
- count somebody out as a candidate
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of count sb out:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Are you going to join the basketball match tomorrow?
Tom: Iโm not sure. They might count me out because I missed practice.
Anna: Donโt worry, just show up. They canโt count you out if youโre there!
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โcount sb outโ:
- They decided to _______ him _______ of the project because he was late.
- Donโt _______ me _______; I want to help.
- After the mistake, the coach _______ her _______ of the final game.
FAQs
- Q: Is โcount sb outโ formal or informal?
A: It is mostly informal but can be used in formal contexts too. - Q: Can you use โcount sb outโ for positive meaning?
A: No, it usually means excluding or doubting someone. - Q: What is the difference between โcount sb outโ and โleave sb outโ?
A: โCount sb outโ implies exclusion or doubt, while โleave sb outโ just means not including someone. - Q: Can โcount sb outโ be used in writing?
A: Yes, especially in informal writing or dialogue. - Q: Is โcount sb outโ separable?
A: Yes, you can place the object between the verb and particle or after it.
