English Reference

Phrasal verb

sound out

Definition

phrasal verb. to talk to someone to find out what they think about an idea before you make a final decision.

phrasal verb. to investigate someone's opinions or intentions regarding a specific matter in an indirect or preliminary manner. Transitive and often used when testing the feasibility of a proposal.

Examples

“I will sound out my boss about the new project.”

“Before we announce the merger, we need to sound out the major shareholders to see if they agree.”

“The diplomat spent the evening sounding out his counterparts to gauge their willingness to sign the treaty without further amendments.”

Examples

simple

“I will sound out my boss about the new project.”

contextual

“Before we announce the merger, we need to sound out the major shareholders to see if they agree.”

complex

“The diplomat spent the evening sounding out his counterparts to gauge their willingness to sign the treaty without further amendments.”

Usage

usually takes a person as the direct object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'ask' (direct) and 'consult' (formal); 'sound out' implies a cautious or exploratory approach to see if an idea will be well-received.

Pitfall

I need to sound out of my team.

I need to sound out my team.

the verb is transitive and takes the object directly after the particle 'out' without the preposition 'of'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

sound + out + object

Synonyms

check withtest the watersgaugeprobe

Antonyms

ignoredecide alone

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.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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English Reference