English Reference

Phrasal verb

print out

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

print out

Past

printed out

Past participle

printed out

Definition

phrasal verb. to produce a paper copy of a document from a computer. You use this when you need a physical version of a digital file.

phrasal verb. To produce a hard copy of a digital document or image using a printer. The verb is transitive and optionally separable.

Examples

“I need to print out my boarding pass for the flight.”

“Could you please print out the meeting agenda so everyone has a copy to read?”

“The system automatically prints out a detailed report at the end of each fiscal quarter for the accounting department to review.”

Examples

simple

“I need to print out my boarding pass for the flight.”

contextual

“Could you please print out the meeting agenda so everyone has a copy to read?”

complex

“The system automatically prints out a detailed report at the end of each fiscal quarter for the accounting department to review.”

Usage

The object can sit after the particle or between the verb and the particle.

Teaching tip

Contrast with the simple verb 'print'; 'print out' emphasizes the completion of the task and the physical result.

Pitfall

I will print out it.

I will print it out.

When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

print + out + object

Synonyms

produce a hard copyprint

Antonyms

scandelete

Word family

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

PHRASAL VERB

print out(A2)

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference