dump it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dump it out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to remove the contents of a container or to express the act of discarding something. Example: "If the bag is too heavy, just dump it out and start over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"If you dump it out on the table and it retains its form," he said, "it's not a liquid, aerosol or gel".

The New York Times

One of the easiest things to do is to cheaply dispose of waste the old-fashioned way — dump it out back.

The New York Times

And the buckets must be able to hold a lot or a little of light and dump it out accurately later; this produces correct exposure and dynamic range.

TechCrunch

If you find any of these flaws in your wine glass, dump it out, send it back.

Huffington Post

Whether the glass is half empty or half full is irrelevant if you dump it out on the sofa.

Huffington Post

I remember on days off we would use the restroom until it filled up and then we'd take a pot and go dump it out in the backyard.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The men worked the stuff into a rectangular mold, and dumped it out as it hardened.

The New York Times

The thieves found a bucket of bleach cleaning solution, used for sterilizing tools, and dumped it out into a filtration system, before apparently using it to gather water for the shark, Mr. Covino said.

The New York Times

I got used to carrying a plastic 7-11 bag in my purse and just putting my trash in it, dumping it out at the end of the day.

Forbes

I learned the best way to sort silverware, dumping it out on the counter with each hand independently grabbing for knives, then forks, then spoons.

Huffington Post

If you are wearing a menstrual cup, you probably will not have to worry about dumping it out while you are there — it can stay in for up to 12 hours.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dump it out" when you want to convey a quick or somewhat careless action of emptying something. It's suitable for informal contexts and everyday situations. For instance, "If the water is dirty, just dump it out and refill the container."

Common error

Avoid using "dump it out" in formal documents or professional settings, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "empty the contents" or "remove the waste" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dump it out" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb when used with an object, indicating the act of emptying something by overturning or unloading it. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing it used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2.5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dump it out" is a phrasal verb used to describe the action of quickly emptying something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in informal contexts. While it's useful for everyday communication, it's generally advisable to use more formal alternatives like "empty the contents" in professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in news media and Wiki articles. Remember to use "dump it out" when you aim to convey a swift and casual emptying of contents, but always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty the contents

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the action of making something empty.

remove the contents

This is a neutral and formal way to describe the action of taking something out.

discard the contents

This emphasizes the act of throwing something away, often because it's unwanted.

pour it out

This alternative specifically refers to liquids or substances that can be poured.

tip it out

This suggests a quick and often careless removal of contents by tilting.

unload it

This implies the removal of a load, often from a container or vehicle.

clear it out

This focuses on removing everything to make space or clean up.

drain it

This is typically used for liquids and emphasizes the complete removal of the liquid.

discharge it

This is a formal term for releasing or emptying something.

eject it

This suggests a forceful or sudden removal of something.

FAQs

How can I use "dump it out" in a sentence?

You can use "dump it out" to describe the action of emptying something quickly and easily. For example, "The sandbox was full of water so I had to "dump it out" before the kids could play in it."

What can I say instead of "dump it out"?

You can use alternatives like "empty the contents", "pour it out", or "discard the contents" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dump it out" in a formal context?

No, "dump it out" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "remove the contents" or "empty the container".

What's the difference between "dump it out" and "throw it out"?

"Dump it out" refers to emptying the contents of something, while "throw it out" means to discard something completely, possibly including the container. Dumping implies only the contents are being removed, not necessarily the container itself.