flush out

USAGE SUMMARY

"flush out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, typically in the context of flushing something out to remove it or to clear it away. For example: "We need to flush out the debris from the blocked pipes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may even flush out the trolls.

The Guardian

CBD saline solution irrigation may flush out residual stones.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

"And most brokers are flush out," Paulson said.

The New York Times - Sports

They used tear gas to flush out al-Oteibi's men.

The New Yorker

Several forces have helped flush out the blockages.

The Economist

"They knew how to flush out a quail, for example".

The Guardian - Film

This ought to flush out whatever's been lurking inside.

The New Yorker

"It took two decades to flush out that oversupply".

The New York Times

Cameron's tactics are designed to flush out Merkel and Renzi.

The Guardian

But it struggled to flush out the truth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ambient flow had a direct influence on total flush-out time, and heterogeneity impacted flush-out times for the top part of the tank and total flush-out times.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flush out" when you want to convey the idea of removing something completely or revealing something hidden, whether it's a physical substance, information, or a person's true intentions. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "flush out" in contexts where the action of removal is not literal or strongly implied. Overusing it in abstract situations can make your writing sound awkward or imprecise. Consider alternatives like "clarify" or "reveal" when dealing with ideas or concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flush out" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. According to Ludwig, it describes the action of forcing something out or revealing something hidden. Examples in Ludwig include "flush out the enemy" and "flush out toxins".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

32%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flush out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of removing something completely or revealing something hidden. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and applicable in various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. When writing, consider the intended meaning and avoid overuse in abstract contexts. The related phrases like "rinse out" or "drive out" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts. Ludwig's AI provides a valuable resource for understanding and applying this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rinse out

Emphasizes cleaning by washing, differing from the broader sense of removal in "flush out".

purge out

Implies a more forceful or complete removal, often associated with eliminating impurities.

drive out

Focuses on forcing something or someone out of a place or situation.

weed out

Suggests removing undesirable elements from a group or collection.

root out

Implies finding and eliminating something that is deeply embedded or hidden.

draw out

Focuses on extracting information or revealing hidden aspects.

bring to light

Specifically refers to uncovering or revealing information.

expel

Indicates a formal or forceful ejection from a place or group.

extract

Emphasizes the removal of something, often with effort or precision.

unearth

Implies discovering something hidden or buried, often through investigation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "flush out" can be used to describe the act of removing something, like "Water helps to "flush out toxins"", or to reveal something hidden, such as "The investigation aimed to "flush out the truth"".

What are some synonyms for "flush out"?

Alternatives to "flush out" include "rinse out", "purge out", or "drive out", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flush out" formal or informal?

"Flush out" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly academic or professional writing. According to Ludwig AI, the term usage is correct and versatile.

What is the difference between "flush out" and "wash out"?

While both phrases imply cleaning, "flush out" often suggests a more thorough or forceful removal of something, whereas "wash out" typically refers to a surface cleaning. Consider the specific context when deciding whether to use "wash out" or "flush out".