Phrasal verb
fit out
Definition
phrasal verb. To provide a room or building with all the furniture and equipment it needs to be ready for use.
phrasal verb. To provide a space, building, or vessel with the necessary equipment, furnishings, or fittings. Transitive and often used in commercial or maritime contexts.
Examples
“The owners are fitting out the new café with wooden tables.”
“The construction crew worked through the night to fit out the new department store before the holiday shopping season began.”
“Once the structural renovations were finalized, the interior designers were commissioned to fit out the penthouse with bespoke furniture and high-end appliances.”
Examples
simple
“The owners are fitting out the new café with wooden tables.”
contextual
“The construction crew worked through the night to fit out the new department store before the holiday shopping season began.”
complex
“Once the structural renovations were finalized, the interior designers were commissioned to fit out the penthouse with bespoke furniture and high-end appliances.”
Usage
This phrase is frequently used in business contexts when discussing new shops or offices.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'furnish', which focuses only on furniture, whereas 'fit out' includes technical equipment and structural fixtures.
Pitfall
The company will fit out of the new laboratory.
The company will fit out the new laboratory.
The verb is transitive and takes the space being equipped as a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
fit + 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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