Meaning trap
block out
prevent light or sound
To stop light, noise, or something else from passing through or being noticed.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To stop light, noise, or something else from passing through or being noticed.
Another meaning of 'block out' is 'avoid remembering'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The thick curtains block out most of the sunlight in my room.
In my opinion, wearing earplugs is a good way to block out loud sounds when you need to concentrate, especially in a busy library.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Earplugs block out it.
Say: Earplugs block it out.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'block it out'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Block out' is the everyday verb for keeping light or noise out; the paraphrase is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
block out + light/noise
- the light
- the sun
- the noise
- sound
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- block out (avoid remembering) — Another meaning of 'block out' is 'avoid remembering'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.