Grammar fix
rule out
to decide that something is not possible or not suitable
To decide that something is not possible, not likely, or not a good option, often after considering the facts.
phrasal verbB2common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After checking the symptoms, the doctor ruled out flu as the cause.
In my opinion, we cannot rule out the impact of technology on how people communicate nowadays.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We can't rule out it completely.
Say: We can't rule it out completely.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'rule it out'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Rule out' is the everyday verb for dismissing a possibility; the formal version is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
rule out + possibility
- the option
- foul play
- it out
- a comeback