rule out — to decide that something is not possible or not suitable
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
To decide that something is not possible, not likely, or not a good option, often after considering the facts.
Say it like a native
Textbook We can definitively eliminate that possibility from consideration.
Native We can rule that out.
'Rule out' is the everyday verb for dismissing a possibility; the formal version is wordy.
Pattern: rule out + noun/pronoun
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ We can't rule out it completely.
✓ We can't rule it out completely.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'rule it out'.
Common collocations
rule out + possibility— the option, foul play, it out, a comeback
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'rule' (to control) or 'rule over' (to govern). 'Rule out' means to eliminate a possibility.