spat out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spat out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase which is used to indicate that something was said or done quickly, sharply, or with some force. For example, "The angry man spat out his words in response to the accusation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are spat out instead.

Independent

"She spat out her toast this morning".

The New Yorker

Pi San spat out a profanity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Will they be spat out?

The Guardian

The Altair spat out "4".

The New Yorker

Sasha spat out his beer.

The New Yorker

Sorry, I just spat out some tea.

The Guardian

Familiar faces trickled in, spat out orders.

The New York Times

Mr. Edison's device spat out about one character a second.

The New York Times

He spat out blood in a bathroom sink.

The New York Times

He spat out his cigarette butt and stepped on it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spat out" to convey a sense of suddenness or forcefulness, whether it's in speech, ejection, or rejection. It is more impactful than saying "said" or "released".

Common error

While "spat out" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like "stated", "expressed", or "released" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "spat out" functions primarily as a verb of action, indicating a forceful or sudden ejection or utterance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples include a person angrily speaking or a machine ejecting an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "spat out" is a common expression used to describe a forceful or sudden ejection or utterance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, but primarily suited for informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys intensity or negativity. When more formality is needed, alternatives like "stated" or "expressed" are preferable. Remember to use "spat out" to emphasize the force or emotion behind an action, and be mindful of its register to maintain an appropriate tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blurted out

Implies a sudden, often involuntary, utterance of something.

spewed

Similar to "spat out" but often implies a larger quantity or more forceful expulsion.

vomited out

Focuses on the forceful expulsion of something, similar to the literal sense of "spat out".

disgorged

Implies a sudden and copious release of something.

ejected

Suggests a mechanical or forceful removal or expulsion.

threw out

Suggests a forceful rejection or discarding of something.

cast out

Implies rejection or expulsion from a group or place.

expressed sharply

Focuses on the manner of speaking, conveying a sense of anger or force.

articulated forcefully

Highlights the clarity and intensity of the expression.

emitted

Suggests the release of something, whether it's words, data, or objects.

FAQs

How to use "spat out" in a sentence?

You can use "spat out" to describe someone speaking angrily (e.g., "He "spat out" an insult") or to describe something being forcefully ejected (e.g., "The machine "spat out" the ticket").

What can I say instead of "spat out"?

Alternatives to "spat out" include "blurted out", "ejected", or "expressed sharply", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "spat out" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "spat out" is generally considered too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, use more formal alternatives like "stated", "expressed", or "released" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "spat out" and "vomited out"?

"Spat out" typically refers to a forceful ejection of a small amount, often saliva or words, while "vomited out" refers to the forceful ejection of stomach contents. Although "spat out" can be used metaphorically, "vomited out" almost always has a negative connotation.