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Grammar fix

rule out

to decide that something is not possible or not suitable

To decide that something is not possible, not likely, or not a good option, often after considering the facts.

phrasal verbB2common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • After checking the symptoms, the doctor ruled out flu as the cause.daily life
  • In my opinion, we cannot rule out the impact of technology on how people communicate nowadays.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: rule out + noun/pronoun

WrongWe can't rule out it completely.

RightWe can't rule it out completely.

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

Patternrule out + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We can definitively eliminate that possibility from consideration.

Natural We can rule that out.

'Rule out' is the everyday verb for dismissing a possibility; the formal version is wordy.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • rule out + possibility
    the optionfoul playit outa comeback

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'rule' (to control) or 'rule over' (to govern). 'Rule out' means to eliminate a possibility.

Try it in Daily Speak →