filter out

USAGE SUMMARY

"filter out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal phrase meaning to remove something from a larger group by using a particular criteria. For example, "We need to filter out any irrelevant results from the search."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can filter out the noise.

The Guardian

"I have to filter out so much of popular culture.

The Guardian - Film

We could filter out that kind of noise".

The Guardian

Some are added to sunscreens to filter out UV rays.

The Guardian

But "older consumers filter out those messages," Mr. Coughlin said.

The New York Times

Reports of dissension continued to filter out nonetheless.

The New Yorker

Thorough evaluation helps to filter out the bad ideas.

Harvard Business Review

The network is settled to filter out most stationary inputs.

Yale University

Negative matching allowed the advertiser to filter out irrelevant searches.

Harvard University

For example, methyl anthranilate doesn't filter out enough UVA.

Harvard University

Facebook will have to filter out protected content.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filter out" when you want to describe a selective removal process, especially when dealing with a large set of data or information. For example, "We need to filter out the noise to find the real signal."

Common error

Avoid using "filter out" when a simple verb like "remove" or "delete" suffices. "Filter out" implies a selection process, not just a straight deletion. For example, instead of saying "Filter out this line," consider "Remove this line" if there's no filtering process involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filter out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the selective removal or separation of elements from a larger set. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts involving selective removal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filter out" is a versatile phrasal verb meaning to selectively remove or exclude something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Common alternatives include "exclude", "eliminate", and "screen out". Remember that "filter out" implies a selection process based on specific criteria, as opposed to simple deletion. The phrase enjoys widespread use and acceptance, making it a valuable addition to your writing and speaking repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screen out

Implies a barrier that allows some things through while blocking others.

sift out

Suggests a more careful and discerning process of removal.

exclude

To prevent from being included or considered.

weed out

Implies removing unwanted elements from a group, like undesirable plants.

remove

A more general term for taking something away.

block out

Implies preventing something from reaching or affecting you.

eliminate

Implies a complete removal, often of something undesirable.

extract

To take out or obtain from something.

purge

Suggests a thorough removal of unwanted elements, often on a large scale.

separate

To divide into different groups.

FAQs

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

The phrase "filter out" is used to describe the process of selectively removing certain items from a larger group. For example, "The software helps to filter out irrelevant data" or "We need to filter out unqualified candidates from the applicant pool."

What are some alternatives to "filter out"?

You can use alternatives like "exclude", "eliminate", "screen out", or "sift out" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "filter out" or "remove"?

While both phrases involve taking something away, "filter out" implies a more selective and discerning process. Use "filter out" when you're removing items based on specific criteria, whereas "remove" is a more general term for taking something away.

What does "filter out the noise" mean?

The phrase "filter out the noise" means to ignore or disregard distractions or irrelevant information in order to focus on what is important. It's often used in contexts where there's a lot of competing information or stimuli.