Phrasal verb
camp out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
camp out
Past
camped out
Past participle
camped out
Definition
phrasal verb. to sleep outside in a tent for a short time, or to stay in one place for a long time while you wait for something.
phrasal verb. To sleep outdoors or in a tent, typically for recreation; figuratively, to remain in a location for an extended period to wait for an event. It functions intransitively and is often followed by a prepositional phrase of place.
Examples
“We decided to camp out in the backyard last night.”
“Dozens of fans began to camp out on the sidewalk to be first in line for the concert tickets.”
“The researchers had to camp out in the remote valley for several weeks to observe the rare species in its natural habitat.”
Examples
simple
“We decided to camp out in the backyard last night.”
contextual
“Dozens of fans began to camp out on the sidewalk to be first in line for the concert tickets.”
complex
“The researchers had to camp out in the remote valley for several weeks to observe the rare species in its natural habitat.”
Usage
Usually followed by a preposition like 'in', 'at', or 'on' to indicate the location.
Teaching tip
Highlight the figurative use of waiting in line for products or events, as this is a very common context in modern media.
Pitfall
They camped out the store.
They camped out in front of the store.
The phrase is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; a preposition is required to link the action to a location.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
camp + 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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