spit out

USAGE SUMMARY

"spit out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize speaking or an action quickly and forcefully, especially when you want someone to say something or to stop talking. For example, "He spat out the words angrily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, Photoshop doesn't spit out this information.

Stanford University

I nearly spit out my macaron.

The New York Times - Food

Just spit out the excess toothpaste.

Independent

He nearly spit out his wine.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Her guests just spit out the pits).

The New York Times - Food

Others spit out paper if they sense a jam coming.

The New York Times

The Soviet soil has spit out the seeds of democracy.

The New York Times

Sip, rinse, spit out a possible playoff berth.

The New York Times - Sports

Rhythmbox spit out an error almost immediately.

TechCrunch

"It's being spit out by deleveraging hedge funds".

Forbes

The computer whirled and spit out one name: "Bismarck".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spit out" to describe a quick, forceful action, whether physical or verbal. For example, "The machine spat out the ticket" or "He spat out an insult."

Common error

Avoid using "spit out" when a gentler term like "say" or "eject" would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a certain vehemence or forcefulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "spit out" primarily functions as a verb of action, describing the act of forcefully ejecting something from the mouth or uttering words abruptly and vehemently. Ludwig examples show both physical and verbal uses. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

31%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "spit out" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the forceful ejection of something from the mouth or the abrupt and vehement utterance of words. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. The phrase is considered more informal but remains acceptable in neutral settings. Alternatives include "eject", "expel", and "blurt out", each offering a slightly different nuance. As the Ludwig AI confirms, "spit out" is a versatile and valid addition to your vocabulary, useful for conveying intensity and suddenness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blurt out

Suggests saying something impulsively without thinking.

eject

Focuses on the physical act of forcing something out.

expel

Similar to eject, but can also refer to forcing someone out of a place or organization.

cough up

Implies reluctantly revealing information or producing something.

utter abruptly

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful manner of speaking.

voice suddenly

Highlights the unexpected nature of the statement.

bring out

In the context of revealing information, similar to 'cough up' but less reluctant.

throw up

Refers to vomiting or ejecting contents from the stomach.

give voice to

Emphasizes expressing something that was previously unsaid.

discharge

Formal term to describe the action of ejecting something.

FAQs

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

You can use "spit out" to describe physically ejecting something from your mouth, like "He spat out the bad-tasting medicine". It can also describe saying something abruptly or angrily, such as "She spat out the accusation".

What's a less forceful way to say "spit out"?

Depending on the context, you could use "say", "utter", or "eject". These alternatives lack the intensity implied by "spit out".

Is "spit out" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "spit out" is generally better suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "express" or "release", depending on the intended meaning.

When should I use "blurt out" instead of "spit out"?

Blurt out is appropriate when someone says something suddenly and without thinking, while "spit out" implies more force or anger in the delivery.