testing out

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verbinformal

   Trying a new method, product, or idea to see how well it works before making a decision.

   Grammar: Intransitive or transitive; the object can come between test and out: test it out.

   Patterns

   • test out something
   • test something out
   • test out a theory

   We’re testing out a new software system this week.

   She tested out the recipe on her family before the party.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   Taking a test to show you already know a subject so you can skip a class or requirement.

   Grammar: Intransitive; often followed by of: test out of a course.

   Patterns

   • test out of a class
   • test out of a requirement

   He tested out of first-year Spanish and moved to the advanced class.

   Students can test out of the introductory math course.

Common combinations

test out a theory

The scientists tested out their theory in the lab.

test out of a course

She tested out of the basic writing requirement.

test out a new product

The company is testing out a new app with a small group.

Synonyms and how they differ

try out

Try out is very similar but often suggests a shorter, less formal trial; test out is more common for systematic checking.

pilot

Pilot means to test a project on a small scale before full launch; test out is more general and can be used for any trial.

Word family

test verb

To examine or try something to see if it works.

testing noun

The process of trying or examining something.

Commonly confused: testing out or test out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “testing out”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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