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Meaning trap

stand out

be noticeable

To be very easy to see or notice because you are different or better than others.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

be noticeable

To be very easy to see or notice because you are different or better than others.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Her bright red jacket made her stand out in the crowd.daily life
  • In my opinion, having a unique skill can help you stand out when applying for a job.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: stand out (from/among/in something)

WrongShe wants to stand out the other candidates.

RightShe wants to stand out from the other candidates.

To compare with others, use 'stand out FROM' — don't drop 'from'.

Patternstand out (from/among/in something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Her application was conspicuously superior to the others.

Natural Her application really stood out.

'Stand out' is the natural verb for being noticeably better; 'conspicuously superior' is stiff.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • stand out + context
    from the crowdon a CVin a good wayfrom the rest

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'fit in', which means to be similar to others.

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