Flush out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Flush out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to revealing or uncovering information or details. For example: "We need to flush out the key issues before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "bring to light," "reveal," and "elicit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may even flush out the trolls.

The Guardian

"And most brokers are flush out," Paulson said.

The New York Times - Sports

They used tear gas to flush out al-Oteibi's men.

The New Yorker

Several forces have helped flush out the blockages.

The Economist

"They knew how to flush out a quail, for example".

The Guardian - Film

This ought to flush out whatever's been lurking inside.

The New Yorker

"It took two decades to flush out that oversupply".

The New York Times

Cameron's tactics are designed to flush out Merkel and Renzi.

The Guardian

But it struggled to flush out the truth.

The Guardian

"But the fluids do not flush out bacteria or viruses in your blood," she said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ambient flow had a direct influence on total flush-out time, and heterogeneity impacted flush-out times for the top part of the tank and total flush-out times.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Flush out" to describe the removal of toxins or bacteria, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being removed and from where.

Common error

Avoid using "Flush out" in contexts where a more precise verb like 'remove', 'elicit', or 'reveal' would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make writing seem less nuanced.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flush out" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the action of forcing something or someone out of a hiding place, removing impurities, or revealing hidden information. Its function varies slightly based on context, adapting to both physical and abstract scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

35%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flush out" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to describe the action of removing something undesirable or revealing hidden information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a transitive verb and maintains a generally neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, general writing, and even some formal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources. However, when crafting your content, you should be mindful of the possibility of overuse and opt for more precise synonyms like "elicit", "reveal", or "drive out" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drive out

Emphasizes forceful removal or expulsion.

Elicit

Focuses on drawing out information or a response, rather than physical removal.

Uncover

Highlights the act of revealing something hidden.

Reveal

Indicates the disclosure of something previously unknown.

Force out

Implies the use of pressure or coercion to remove something.

Expel

Suggests a formal or official removal.

Bring to light

Emphasizes making something known or public.

Clear out

Focuses on removing clutter or unwanted items.

Purge

Suggests a thorough cleansing or removal of impurities.

Rinse out

Specifically refers to cleaning something with water or liquid.

FAQs

How can I use "Flush out" in a sentence?

You can use "Flush out" to describe physically removing something with liquid, like "Drinking water helps to flush out toxins". It can also mean revealing hidden information, as in "The investigation aimed to flush out the truth".

What are some synonyms for "Flush out"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "elicit", "reveal", "drive out", or "uncover".

Is it appropriate to use "Flush out" in formal writing?

Yes, "Flush out" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a process of removal or revelation. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated verb might be more suitable for the specific context.

What's the difference between "Flush out" and "Cleanse"?

"Flush out" often implies using a liquid to remove something, while "cleanse" has a broader meaning of purification or removal of impurities, not necessarily involving liquid. For example, you can flush out a wound with saline solution, but you cleanse your skin with soap.