A decision or evidence can eliminate an option or possible cause.
The idea
Rule out is common in neutral and formal discussions and investigations. Put a noun after out or between the words: rule out a delay or rule a delay out. A pronoun goes between them: rule it out.
Examples
- The mechanic ruled out a flat battery.
- These results do not rule out an infection.
- The committee ruled the proposal out after discussion.
- The weather may rule it out altogether.
- We cannot rule out a delay at the border.
- The test ruled out several possible causes.
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Watch out
Cannot rule out leaves a possibility open; it does not confirm it. Do not say rule out it.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. The team ruled ___ a faulty sensor. (out / to)
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out
out completes the expression for excluding the sensor.
Choose the correct option. The option is impossible; we ruled ___. (it out / out it)
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it out
it out puts the pronoun between the verb and particle.
Choose the correct option. The test ___ out that cause yesterday. (ruled / rule)
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ruled
ruled expresses the completed action yesterday.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. The team ruled ___ a faulty sensor. (out / to)
Choose the correct option. The option is impossible; we ruled ___. (it out / out it)
Choose the correct option. The test ___ out that cause yesterday. (ruled / rule)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a possibility you cannot rule out and explain why.