Phrasal verb
mark out
Definition
phrasal verb. to show that someone or something is different or special. You can also use it to draw lines that show the borders of a space.
phrasal verb. to distinguish a person or thing as being different from others, typically by a specific quality. It also functions to delineate the physical boundaries of an area.
Examples
“His talent for music marks him out from the other students.”
“Before the construction began, the workers had to mark out the area where the new garage would be built.”
“The author's unique prose style and unflinching social commentary mark her out as one of the most significant voices of her generation.”
Examples
simple
“His talent for music marks him out from the other students.”
contextual
“Before the construction began, the workers had to mark out the area where the new garage would be built.”
complex
“The author's unique prose style and unflinching social commentary mark her out as one of the most significant voices of her generation.”
Usage
When used to mean 'distinguish', it often takes the preposition 'from' or 'as'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'stand out'; 'mark out' is transitive and focuses on the quality that makes the object different.
Pitfall
He marks out because of his red hair.
He stands out because of his red hair.
'Mark out' is transitive and requires an object to be distinguished, whereas 'stand out' is intransitive.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
mark + 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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