Is "hire sth out" the same as "rent out"?

"Hire out" and "rent out" mean the same, but "hire out" is more common in British English.

Can I say "hire out a car" or "hire a car out"?

Both are correct. The object can come between "hire" and "out" or after "out."

Is "hire sth out" used for property?

"Hire sth out" can be used for property, but "let out" is often preferred for renting rooms or homes.

What kind of things can you hire out?

Cars, equipment, rooms, bikes, halls, and many other items can be hired out.

Hire sth out Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Hire sth out” Mean?

“Hire sth out” means to rent or lend something you own to someone else in exchange for money. It is commonly used when talking about renting equipment, property, or items.

Introduction

The phrase “hire sth out” is a useful phrasal verb in English that means to rent something you own to another person. This can include anything from tools and vehicles to rooms or entire buildings. Understanding the hire sth out meaning helps you describe situations where you earn money by letting others use your belongings temporarily. It is a common expression in both everyday conversation and business contexts. Whether you’re a landlord renting a flat or someone lending party equipment for a fee, this phrase fits perfectly. Knowing how to use “hire sth out” correctly will improve your fluency and help you communicate clearly about renting items or services.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: hire sth out (hire something out)
Type: transitive
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Short meaning: to rent something you own to someone else

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Hire sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between “hire” and “out” or after “out.”

Subject + hire + object + out
- Example: They hired the car out to tourists.
Subject + hire out + object
- Example: They hired out the car to tourists.

Both forms are correct, but placing the object between “hire” and “out” is more common.

How to Use “Hire sth out”?

Use “hire sth out” when you want to talk about renting something you own to others. It focuses on the owner’s action of letting the item or property be used temporarily for payment. You can use it in various contexts like businesses renting equipment, individuals lending tools, or landlords renting rooms. It is often followed by the object being rented and sometimes includes the person or group who is renting it.

Examples

Imagine you own a bike and you let someone use it for a day in exchange for money. You can say:

We hired our bike out to tourists during the summer.
They hire out equipment for outdoor events.
The company hires out office spaces to freelancers.
She hired out her apartment while she was traveling abroad.
Local businesses often hire out tools to homeowners for short projects.

These examples show “hire sth out” in different settings, from personal items to commercial use.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse “hire sth out” with “hire sth” or “rent sth.” Here’s how to avoid mistakes:

Incorrect: I hired out a car yesterday. (missing object placement)
Correct: I hired a car out yesterday. / I hired out a car yesterday.
Incorrect: They rent out their tools. (While “rent out” is correct, “hire out” is more common in British English.)
Correct: They hire out their tools to neighbors.

Remember, “hire sth out” always involves the owner renting something to someone else.

Differences / Synonyms

“Hire sth out” is similar to “rent out” and “let out,” but there are subtle differences:

Hire sth out: Common in British English, emphasizes the owner renting something temporarily.
Rent out: Used in both British and American English, means the same as “hire out.”
Let out: Often used with property, especially homes or rooms, not usually for equipment.

For example, you “hire out” a bike or tool, but you “let out” a flat or house. All mean the owner is providing something for temporary use in exchange for payment.

Common Collocations

“Hire sth out” often pairs with certain objects. Here are common collocations and their meanings:

Hire out a car: Rent a vehicle to someone.
Hire out equipment: Rent tools or machines for short-term use.
Hire out a room: Rent a room in your home or building.
Hire out a hall: Rent a large space for events or meetings.
Hire out bikes: Rent bicycles, often to tourists.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of hire sth out:

Hire Sb Out

Real-life Dialogue

Here’s a simple conversation using “hire sth out”:

Anna: Do you know if anyone hires out bikes around here?

Ben: Yes, the shop on Main Street hires out bikes daily.

Anna: Great! I want to hire one out for the weekend.

Ben: You should call them first to check availability.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “hire sth out”:

They _______ their beach house _______ every summer.
Can you _______ your camera _______ for the event?
We usually _______ out our tools to neighbors.

Answers: hire, out / hire, out / hire

FAQs

Q: What does “hire sth out” mean?
A: It means to rent something you own to someone else for temporary use.
Q: Is “hire sth out” the same as “rent out”?
A: Yes, they mean the same, but “hire out” is more common in British English.
Q: Can I say “hire out a car” or “hire a car out”?
A: Both are correct. The object can come between “hire” and “out” or after “out.”
Q: Is “hire sth out” used for property?
A: Yes, but “let out” is often used specifically for renting rooms or homes.
Q: What kind of things can you hire out?
A: Cars, equipment, rooms, bikes, halls, and many other items can be hired out.