black out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "black out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean either a period of time during which something (such as electricity or the light from the sun) is absent, or a situation in which one loses consciousness or temporarily forgets something. For example: "I was so exhausted that I blacked out for a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Did I black out?

The New Yorker

I wanted to black out".

Independent

Did you black out?

The New Yorker

How many times did you black out?

The Guardian

I black out when I try to calculate the tip.

The New Yorker

Others are gibbering, trying to black out what is happening.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Black outs are ongoing in Pakistan.

The Guardian

I got fierce black outs.

Vice

"I blacked out, I think".

The New York Times - Sports

I blacked out early.

The Guardian

Blacking out again?" Don't answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase to describe censorship, it is often used transitively, meaning you "black out" a specific piece of information (e.g. "The clerk had to black out the Social Security numbers").

Common error

Avoid using the closed compound "blackout" as a verb. While it is common in casual writing, professional and academic standards require the phrasal verb form "black out" for actions. Incorrect: "I think I might blackout from the heat." Correct: "I think I might black out from the heat."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "black out" functions as a phrasal verb that can be used both transitively and intransitively. As shown in Ludwig, it acts intransitively when describing a physical loss of consciousness (e.g. "I black out sometimes") and transitively when describing the act of obscuring information (e.g. "black out his name").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "black out" is a highly versatile phrasal verb used to describe the loss of consciousness, memory or visibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it is most common in News & Media and Scientific writing, where it serves to denote either a physiological event or an intentional act of censorship. One of the most important takeaways is the distinction between the two-word verb form and the one-word noun "blackout". Whether you are describing a medical emergency, a power failure or the redaction of a document, "black out" remains a precise and effective choice for conveying a sudden transition into darkness or unawareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass out

Used specifically for losing consciousness, often due to exhaustion or intoxication.

lose consciousness

A more formal and clinical way to describe the physical act of fainting.

faint

A simpler verb for a temporary loss of consciousness, usually due to low blood pressure.

redact

The professional term for censoring or obscuring sensitive information in a document.

censor

A broader term for suppressing or covering up information for legal or political reasons.

blank out

Refers specifically to a mental block or the sudden inability to remember something.

go dark

Used to describe a situation where communication or power is intentionally or accidentally cut.

obscure

To make something difficult to see or understand, less specific than covering it with ink.

block out

To prevent light from entering or to mentally ignore traumatic memories.

extinguish

Used for putting out lights or fires, related to the literal darkening aspect.

FAQs

Is it black out or blackout?

It depends on the grammatical role. Use "black out" as a phrasal verb for the action of losing consciousness or censoring text. Use "blackout" as a noun to refer to a period of darkness or a loss of memory.

What can I say instead of black out when referring to a document?

In professional or legal contexts, you should use "redact" or "obscure" to describe the covering of sensitive information.

What is the difference between black out and pass out?

While both mean to lose consciousness, "black out" can also imply a temporary loss of memory while still being awake, whereas "pass out" specifically means falling into an unconscious state.

How do I use black out in a medical context?

In medical descriptions, you might say a patient is prone to "lose consciousness" or suffer from episodes where they "black out" due to neurological or cardiovascular issues.