pour out

USAGE SUMMARY

"pour out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when discussing pouring a liquid from a container. For example, "She carefully poured out the orange juice into the pitcher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anecdotes pour out.

The Guardian

Details pour out.

The New York Times

Fuel started to pour out.

Independent

Infants simply pour out love.

The New York Times

Armed, uniformed men pour out.

The Guardian - Books

Metaphors pour out when Mr. Armstrong talks.

The New York Times - Tech

Carefully pour out the hot water.

The New York Times

I let it all pour out.

The New Yorker

Instead, words pour out, sentence by sentence".

The New York Times

Corinthian coins continued to pour out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Books now began to pour out.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional expression, consider using "pour out" to convey a sense of vulnerability and openness.

Common error

While "pour out" is versatile, be mindful of using it excessively in formal writing where more precise verbs like "dispense" or "divulge" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pour out" primarily functions as a verb describing the action of dispensing something, either literally (liquids) or figuratively (emotions, information). Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "pour out" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and highlights its use in various contexts, from literally describing the act of pouring liquids to figuratively depicting the expression of emotions or the release of information. Its neutral register makes it suitable for many situations, though formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives. As evidenced by the examples, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, confirming its widespread acceptance and utility in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispense

This alternative refers to distributing something, often in measured amounts, similar to the literal sense of "pour out".

discharge

This suggests releasing something, like liquid or emotion, in a controlled or uncontrolled way.

empty

Focuses on the action of removing the contents of a container.

divulge

Emphasizes revealing information or secrets, relating to the figurative sense of "pour out".

unburden

This highlights the emotional relief of sharing one's feelings, aligning with the emotional context of "pour out".

vent

Suggests releasing pent-up emotions or feelings, often intensely.

express

Focuses on conveying thoughts or feelings, which can be similar to 'pouring out' emotions.

release

Implies setting something free, like water or emotions.

emit

This suggests sending something out, often forcefully or steadily.

gush

Implies a sudden, abundant outflow of liquid or emotion.

FAQs

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

You can use "pour out" to describe physically pouring a liquid (e.g., "Pour out the water after boiling the vegetables") or figuratively to express emotions (e.g., "She poured out her heart to her friend").

What can I say instead of "pour out" when referring to emotions?

Alternatives include "express", "divulge", or "unburden" depending on the context.

Is "pour out" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "pour out" may be less precise than alternatives like "dispense" (for liquids) or "divulge" (for information) in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "pour out" and "spill"?

"Pour out" implies a controlled action of dispensing, whereas "spill" suggests an accidental or uncontrolled release of liquid.