WEAR OUT – Phrasal Verb
What is the Meaning of the English Phrasal Verb
WEAR OUT?
wear someone/something out
wear out someone/something
Definition 1:
to exhaust or tire someone
Examples of WEAR OUT (definition 1) in Sentences:
1. The kids have been running around outside all day. All the playing has worn Josh out.
2. I have been working a lot of overtime lately. I am worn out. I plan to sleep all weekend!
(Note: This example is passive. This Phrasal Verb is often used in passive speech because it is obvious from the context of the conversation what causes the person to be tired, so it is not mentioned.)
Definition 2:
to use something until it is no longer in good, or working, condition
Examples:
1. I love this old coat. I have really worn it out.
2. All the foot traffic in the hallway is wearing out the carpet in that area.
3. I would like to stop by your office and take you out for lunch, but I don’t want to wear out my welcome by visiting too often.
WEAR is an irregular verb in English. Irregular verb tenses need to be memorized.
| present – | WEAR OUT |
| present participle – | WEARING OUT |
| past – | WORE OUT |
| past participle – | WORN OUT |
