What Does โEdge sb outโ Mean?
โEdge sb outโ means to gradually push someone out of a position, competition, or situation, often by gaining a slight advantage.
Introduction
The phrase โEdge sb outโ is a common English phrasal verb used to describe a situation where someone is narrowly or subtly pushed out or replaced by another person. The โsbโ stands for โsomebody,โ meaning it involves a person being edged out. This expression often applies in competitive contexts like jobs, sports, or social situations. Understanding the โEdge sb out meaningโ helps you describe situations where someone loses their position or role due to someone else gaining a small but decisive advantage. It is a useful phrase for both formal and informal English, making your communication more precise and natural.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Edge somebody out
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To gradually push someone out of a position by gaining a slight advantage
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โEdge sb outโ is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (somebody) between โedgeโ and โout,โ or after โout.โ
- Pattern 1: edge somebody out (e.g., The company edged him out.)
- Pattern 2: edge out somebody (e.g., The company edged out him.) โ less common, but possible
Note: When using pronouns, it is more natural to place them between the verb and particle (e.g., edged him out).
How to Use โEdge sb outโ?
Use โedge sb outโ when describing a situation where someone is slowly or subtly pushed aside or replaced. It often implies competition, such as at work, in sports, or social settings. It suggests a small but effective advantage, not a sudden or forceful removal.
For example, if two employees compete for the same promotion, and one gradually gains favor, you can say that person โedged the other out.โ
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using โedge sb out in a sentenceโ:
- After months of hard work, Sarah edged out her competitors to win the managerโs position.
- The younger player edged out the veteran in the final moments of the game.
- He was edged out of the project when the team leader decided to bring in someone new.
- Despite his experience, John was edged out by a more innovative candidate.
- The company edged out smaller rivals to dominate the market.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or use the wrong particle. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: The manager out edged him.
- Correct: The manager edged him out.
- Incorrect: She edged out him the position.
- Correct: She edged him out of the position.
Remember, โedgeโ and โoutโ must stay together, and the object usually goes between them.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include โpush out,โ โcrowd out,โ and โshut out,โ but they have different nuances.
- Push out: More forceful removal, often physical or direct.
- Crowd out: To exclude by overwhelming presence or numbers.
- Shut out: To prevent from entering or participating completely.
- Edge out: A subtle or narrow advantage leading to removal or replacement.
Use โedge sb outโ when the action is gradual and competitive rather than aggressive or total exclusion.
Common Collocations
โEdge sb outโ is often used with these objects:
- Competition: To describe defeating others narrowly.
- Position: Losing a job or role.
- Candidate: Someone competing for a role or prize.
- Rivals: Opponents in business or sports.
- Market: When one company outperforms others.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of edge sb out:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โedge sb outโ:
Anna: Did you hear that Mark got the promotion?
Ben: Yeah, he edged out Lisa by just a few points in the interview.
Anna: I guess it was a close competition!
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โedge sb outโ:
- The new player __________ the veteran to become the team captain.
- She was __________ of the project after the company hired a specialist.
- Our company managed to __________ several competitors in the tech market.
FAQs
- Q: Is โedge sb outโ formal or informal? A: It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Can I use โedge sb outโ with objects other than people? A: Yes, it can be used with companies, competitors, or candidates.
- Q: What is the difference between โedge outโ and โpush outโ? A: โEdge outโ implies a gradual, slight advantage; โpush outโ is more forceful.
- Q: Can I say โedge out himโ? A: Itโs better to say โedge him outโ for natural English.
- Q: Is โedge sb outโ separable or inseparable? A: It is separable; you can place the object between โedgeโ and โout.โ
