be poured out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be poured out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being released, spilled, or expressed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The emotions he had kept bottled up for years began to be poured out during the therapy session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In 1832, he had prophesied that "war will be poured out".

The New York Times

Salerno says this literary treasure will be poured out between now and 2020, according to a strict timetable laid out by Salinger.

The Guardian

Great quantities of bullion had to be poured out to finance the expensive Spanish European empire and the costly wars and diplomacy of Charles V and Philip II, both of whom were constantly in debt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In those days: The spirit from on high will be poured out on us".

Huffington Post

He then explained how the Spirit came to be poured out, recounting Jesus' ministry and passion and then proclaiming his resurrection and enthronement at the right hand of God.

Wikipedia

When they left, the gods decided that it should not be poured out, but rather kept as a symbol of their peace, and so from the contents made a man, Kvasir.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As water is poured out, the pressure drops.

The New York Times - Health

At noon it was poured out; by four it had drained away".

The Guardian - Books

In the intense heat the carbon reduces the metal oxides to the molten alloy, which is poured out into slabs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Christ's body is broken and his blood is poured out — there isn't any other way for it to work".

The New Yorker

He then shared a cup of wine with his disciples and told them "this is the blood of my covenant, which is poured out for many".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be poured out" when you want to convey a sense of abundance, release, or bestowal, whether literal or metaphorical. For example, "Blessings will "be poured out" upon you" suggests a plentiful granting of favor.

Common error

Avoid using "be poured out" solely in literal contexts of liquid transfer; its strength lies in metaphorical applications to emotions, blessings, or abstract concepts. Otherwise, it may be more suited to using the active voice, such as saying "pour" instead of "be poured out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be poured out" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where something is acted upon, typically involving a metaphorical or literal release or distribution of a substance or quality. As Ludwig suggests, this can be found in religious contexts or everyday contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

27%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be poured out" functions as a passive verb phrase, often used metaphorically to convey abundance or release. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for both literal and figurative contexts, though particularly impactful when describing emotions, blessings, or spiritual experiences. While not as common as other similar phrases, "be poured out" finds its place in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedic content. When choosing an alternative, consider the nuance you wish to convey—whether it's the generosity of "be lavished upon" or the force of "be unleashed". Remember to avoid limiting the phrase to literal contexts, maximizing its metaphorical potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be lavished upon

Implies an abundant and generous bestowal, differing from a simple outpouring.

be showered with

Suggests an overwhelming quantity is being given or received, emphasizing abundance.

be released

Indicates a freeing or liberation, often from a contained state.

be discharged

Focuses on the act of releasing something, often with a sense of force or expulsion.

be unleashed

Suggests a sudden and forceful release of something previously restrained.

be disseminated

Highlights the widespread distribution of something, often information or ideas.

be distributed

Focuses on the systematic allocation or sharing of something among a group.

be emitted

Implies the expulsion or radiation of something, such as light or energy.

be effused

Signifies a gentle and gradual spreading or diffusion of something.

be emanated

Highlights the origin and flow of something from a source, like a feeling or aura.

FAQs

How can I use "be poured out" in a sentence?

The phrase "be poured out" is often used metaphorically to describe the abundant giving or receiving of something. For example, "His love was "poured out" on his children" or "The spirit will "be poured out" on us".

What's a good alternative to "be poured out" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "be lavished upon", "be showered with", or "be released" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "be poured out" formal or informal?

"Be poured out" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in religious or metaphorical settings. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the writing.

What does it mean when it says the Holy Spirit will "be poured out"?

In a religious context, such as Christianity, the phrase "be poured out" in reference to the Holy Spirit signifies a powerful and widespread bestowal of divine grace, blessings, and spiritual gifts upon believers, as described in biblical passages.