# blurt out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blurt-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to say something suddenly without thinking first. You often do this when you are excited, nervous, or can't keep a secret.

For teachers: To utter something abruptly and impulsively, often revealing a secret or private thought. The verb is transitive and allows the object to be placed either after the particle or between the verb and 'out'.

## Examples

- She often blurts out things she later regrets.
- She was so excited about the promotion that she blurted out the news before the official announcement.
- In a moment of uncharacteristic vulnerability, the stoic commander blurted out his fears regarding the impending siege.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He blurted out it." but "He blurted it out." — When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- The object can be a noun phrase or a clause starting with 'that'.
- Teaching tip: Contrast this with 'let slip' to show that 'blurt out' is more about the sudden speed of speaking than just the accident of revealing information.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.