Phrasal verb
sift out
Definition
phrasal verb. to separate or remove things you do not want from a group. You use this when you find specific information in a large amount of data.
phrasal verb. To separate, distinguish, or eliminate specific elements from a larger mass or collection. The verb is transitive and typically describes a systematic process of selection or exclusion.
Examples
“The software helps you sift out the spam emails from your inbox.”
“The HR manager had to sift out the unqualified applicants before she could start the interview process.”
“Researchers must carefully sift out statistical noise to ensure that the underlying patterns in the climate data are accurately represented.”
Examples
simple
“The software helps you sift out the spam emails from your inbox.”
contextual
“The HR manager had to sift out the unqualified applicants before she could start the interview process.”
complex
“Researchers must carefully sift out statistical noise to ensure that the underlying patterns in the climate data are accurately represented.”
Usage
The object is usually the thing being removed or the specific information being selected.
Teaching tip
Contrast 'sift out' with 'sift through' by explaining that the former focuses on the items removed while the latter focuses on the container being searched.
Pitfall
The system sifts out of the relevant data.
The system sifts out the relevant data.
The phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
sift + 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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