rule out

rule out — phrasal verb

  • rule outbase form
  • rules out3rd person singular
  • ruling out-ing form
  • ruled outpast simple

1. to decide that an idea, person, or thing is not possible, suitable, or acceptabl

1.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to decide that an idea, person, or thing is not possible, suitable, or acceptable after thinking carefully about the evidence or applying a rule

例句

The police have not ruled out the possibility that the fire was started deliberately.

rule out + the possibility + that-clause

Doctors ruled out a broken leg after examining the X-ray images at the hospital.

同義詞
  • exclude

    more direct; 'rule out' implies careful thought or a formal process

  • eliminate

    stronger; suggests complete removal from a candidate set

  • dismiss

    can be more casual or abrupt; 'rule out' is more deliberate

反義詞

文法句型

rule out + noun phrase / gerund

rule + noun + out

rule out + noun + as + noun

passive: be ruled out

用法筆記

Common in the passive (cannot be ruled out) and with negations (not rule out). Often followed by a noun phrase, gerund, or a that-clause via 'the possibility that...'.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor ruled out that it was an allergy.
✅The doctor ruled out an allergy (as the cause).
💡'rule out' is not followed directly by a bare that-clause in most varieties.

2. to make something impossible or to stop someone from doing something, usually be

2.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to make something impossible or to stop someone from doing something, usually because of a problem, condition, or rule

例句

A serious knee injury ruled the athlete out of the Olympic Games.

rule + noun + out + of [event]

Sumin's broken wrist ruled her out of the school piano competition.

同義詞
  • prevent

    more general; 'rule out' is more final and decisive

  • preclude

    more formal; 'rule out' is common in everyday language

  • block

    more direct and physical; 'rule out' implies a decision or rule

反義詞

文法句型

rule + noun + out + of + noun phrase

rule out + noun phrase

rule out + the possibility of

用法筆記

The object being prevented can appear between 'rule' and 'out': 'The injury ruled her out of the competition.' The subject is typically a condition, rule, or circumstance rather than a person making a choice.

常見錯誤

❌The injury ruled out playing him.
✅The injury ruled him out of playing.
💡the person or thing affected goes between 'rule' and 'out'.