Phrasal verb
act out
Definition
phrasal verb. to show your feelings or frustrations through bad behavior instead of talking about them.
phrasal verb. to express repressed emotions or impulses through overt behavior, typically in a disruptive or socially unacceptable manner.
Examples
“The toddler often acts out when he is tired.”
“Students who struggle with learning disabilities may act out in class because they feel frustrated by the difficult material.”
“The therapist noted that the patient tended to act out during sessions whenever the conversation shifted toward his childhood experiences.”
Examples
simple
“The toddler often acts out when he is tired.”
contextual
“Students who struggle with learning disabilities may act out in class because they feel frustrated by the difficult material.”
complex
“The therapist noted that the patient tended to act out during sessions whenever the conversation shifted toward his childhood experiences.”
Usage
Usually used without an object when describing bad behavior.
Teaching tip
Help students distinguish between the literal 'performing' sense and the figurative 'misbehaving' sense by looking at the context of frustration or anger.
Pitfall
He was acting out a fool.
He was acting like a fool.
use 'act like' for comparisons; 'act out' refers to behavior caused by hidden emotions or performing a script.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
act + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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