Rule out
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To eliminate something as a possibility
Example sentence
The test results ruled out the flu.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: rule out + possibility/cause (noun)
rule out a possibility
rule out a cause
rule out an injury
rule out a theory
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
The doctor ruled out a broken bone. ✅ (Correct)
The doctor ruled a broken bone out. ✅ (Correct)