Phrasal verb
crank out
Definition
phrasal verb. to produce something quickly and in large amounts, often without caring much about quality.
phrasal verb. To produce something mechanically or in a routine manner, typically in large quantities and often at the expense of quality. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Examples
“He can crank out three blog posts in one morning.”
“The factory used to crank out thousands of cheap plastic toys every single day.”
“Despite the pressure to crank out weekly reports, the analyst maintained a rigorous standard of data integrity that surprised his superiors.”
Examples
simple
“He can crank out three blog posts in one morning.”
contextual
“The factory used to crank out thousands of cheap plastic toys every single day.”
complex
“Despite the pressure to crank out weekly reports, the analyst maintained a rigorous standard of data integrity that surprised his superiors.”
Usage
Usually used for creative or mechanical work that is done quickly and repeatedly.
Teaching tip
The term evokes the image of turning a handle on a machine to produce items, which helps explain the mechanical nuance.
Pitfall
He cranked out of the work.
He cranked out the work.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; do not add 'of' after 'out'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
crank + out + object
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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