Single sth out Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Single sth out” Mean?

“Single sth out” means to choose or identify one person or thing from a group for special attention or treatment.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “single sth out” is often used when you want to highlight or focus on a specific person, object, or idea from among many. The expression is common in both spoken and written English. Understanding the single sth out meaning helps learners recognize when someone is being chosen or pointed at for praise, criticism, or any particular purpose. This phrase is useful in everyday conversations, work situations, and academic contexts.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: single something out
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Single out” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object between “single” and “out” or after both words.

• single something out
• single out something

Examples:

• The teacher singled the best student out for praise.
• The teacher singled out the best student.

How to Use Single sth out?

You use “single sth out” when you want to point to one item or person from a larger group for a specific reason. This reason might be positive, like recognizing good work, or negative, like blaming someone. The phrase is often followed by the object that is being chosen.

Examples

Imagine a manager reviewing employee performance. They might want to single out the best performer to reward them.

• The coach singled out Sarah for her excellent teamwork.
• During the meeting, the director singled out the marketing plan as the most successful.
• She was singled out from the group because of her unique skills.
• The report singles out the main problems facing the company.
• It’s unfair to single out one person when the whole team was responsible.

These examples show how “single sth out” is used in a sentence to emphasize one specific thing.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse the word order or forget that “single out” is separable.

• Incorrect: The manager singled out for praise the best employee.
• Correct: The manager singled out the best employee for praise.
• Incorrect: She singled the out winner.
• Correct: She singled out the winner.

Remember to keep the object close to the verb for clarity.

Differences / Synonyms

“Single sth out” is similar to verbs like “highlight,” “point out,” or “pick out,” but each has subtle differences.

• Highlight: To make something stand out, often visually or in writing.
• Point out: To draw attention to something specific.
• Pick out: To choose something from a group, often casually.

“Single sth out” often implies a deliberate choice for special attention, which may include praise or criticism.

Common Collocations

People often single out certain objects or people in different contexts. Here are common collocations:

• single out a person – to choose someone specifically
• single out a problem – to identify a specific issue
• single out a feature – to focus on one characteristic
• single out a student – to pick one student for attention
• single out a mistake – to identify a particular error

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of single sth out:

• Single Sb Out

Real-life Dialogue

Here’s a short conversation where “single sth out” is used naturally:

Anna: Did the teacher single anyone out for the project presentation?

Ben: Yes, she singled out John because his work was very detailed.

Anna: That’s great! John really worked hard.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “single out.”

• The manager ________ the best candidate for the promotion.
• It’s not fair to ________ one person when everyone contributed.
• During the meeting, she ________ the key issues that needed fixing.

FAQ

• What does “single sth out” mean? It means to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention.
• Is “single out” separable? Yes, you can place the object between “single” and “out” or after “out.”
• Can “single sth out” be used negatively? Yes, it can highlight both positive and negative attention.
• What level is “single sth out” suitable for? It is generally a B2 level phrasal verb.
• Can I use “single out” in formal writing? Yes, it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.