counted out

USAGE SUMMARY

'counted out' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of counting up a certain amount of items and then setting them aside or away. For example, "He counted out 10 coins and placed them in his pocket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We love when we're counted out".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Madrazo cannot be counted out either.

The Economist

"I've been counted out more than once.

The New York Times

Bella counted out three hundred RMB.

The New Yorker

Still, no one counted out a possible upset.

The New York Times

"That's a fortune," she said, and counted out five twenties.

The New Yorker

And the woman who was prematurely counted out is in.

The New York Times

In the back, I counted out the till.

The New Yorker

The wily president cannot be counted out yet.

The Economist

But Allawi cannot be counted out just yet.

The New Yorker

Back at Ken's lodgings, we counted out the notes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counted out" in a financial context, ensure clarity by specifying whether you're referring to literally counting a quantity or figuratively dismissing an investment's potential. For literal counting, specify the object counted, like "He counted out the bills". For figurative use, clarify the context: "The stock was counted out by analysts".

Common error

Avoid using "counted out" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "dismissed" or "excluded", which may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counted out" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It suggests that someone or something has been dismissed or underestimated. Ludwig AI supports this through numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "counted out" is a commonly used verb phrase, indicating that someone or something has been dismissed or underestimated, often prematurely. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, with a neutral register. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. As highlighted by Ludwig, being "counted out" can imply an underdog narrative or a potential for a surprise comeback. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its widespread acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underestimated

Highlights a misjudgment of someone's capabilities or potential.

written off

Implies a complete abandonment of hope or expectation.

overlooked

Suggests a failure to notice or acknowledge something important.

dismissed as a factor

Focuses on the act of disregarding someone or something as significant.

written off as a lost cause

Emphasizes the hopelessness of a situation or person.

disregarded

Indicates a conscious decision to ignore or neglect something.

not considered a threat

Emphasizes the lack of perceived danger or competition.

deemed insignificant

Stresses the perception of something as unimportant.

excluded from consideration

Formally indicates a removal from a set of possibilities.

eliminated from contention

Formally signifies the removal from a competition or race.

FAQs

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

You can use "counted out" to mean someone or something is no longer considered a factor or a contender. For example, "The team was "underestimated" after their initial losses, but they proved everyone wrong."

What's the difference between "counted out" and "defeated"?

"Counted out" suggests a premature dismissal or underestimation, whereas "defeated" implies a conclusive loss. Someone "counted out" may still have a chance to recover, unlike someone who is "defeated".

What are some synonyms for "counted out" that I can use in my writing?

Some synonyms for "counted out" include "dismissed as a factor", "written off", or "underestimated". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "counted out"?

While generally negative, being "counted out" can sometimes serve as motivation or create an underdog narrative. It can also imply a potential for a surprise comeback, suggesting the person or team was "underestimated".