Meaning trap
leave out
exclude someone
To not allow someone to join an activity or group.
phrasal verbB2common
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
exclude someone
To not allow someone to join an activity or group.
leave out (omit)
Another meaning of 'leave out' is 'omit'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He felt hurt because his friends left him out of their weekend plans.relationships
- Sometimes, students feel left out if they are new to a class and others already know each other.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: leave out + person
WrongThey always leave out me.
RightThey always leave me out.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'leave me out', not 'leave out me'.
Patternleave out + person
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Leave out' is the natural, hurtful everyday verb. 'Deliberately excluded' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
leave outof the groupof the loopthe new kidon purpose
Don't confuse it
Different from 'leave alone' (to not bother someone).
Related
- leave out (omit) — Another meaning of 'leave out' is 'omit'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.