Meaning trap

block out

prevent light or sound

To stop light, noise, or something else from passing through or being noticed.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

prevent light or sound

To stop light, noise, or something else from passing through or being noticed.

block out (avoid remembering)

Another meaning of 'block out' is 'avoid remembering'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The thick curtains block out most of the sunlight in my room.daily life
In my opinion, wearing earplugs is a good way to block out loud sounds when you need to concentrate, especially in a busy library.IELTS speaking

Pattern: block out + noun

WrongEarplugs block out it.

RightEarplugs block it out.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'block it out'.

Patternblock out + noun

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff These curtains prevent sunlight from entering the room.

Natural These curtains block out the light.

'Block out' is the everyday verb for keeping light or noise out; the paraphrase is wordy.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Block off' means to close an area, while 'block out' means to stop something like light or noise.

block out (avoid remembering) — Another meaning of 'block out' is 'avoid remembering'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.