Common Mistake: to blackout (black out)

One of the most common mistakes in English is confusing the phrase "to blackout" with the correct phrase "to black out". These two phrases may sound similar and have related meanings, but they are used in different contexts. Let's delve into the difference and learn how to use them correctly.

1. To black out

The phrase "to black out" is a phrasal verb that means to lose consciousness or to faint temporarily. It can also refer to a temporary loss of memory due to a traumatic or stressful event. Here are a few examples:

• After getting hit on the head, he blacked out and woke up in the hospital.
• She has no recollection of what happened during the car accident; she blacked out.
• The stress of the exam caused him to black out for a few seconds.

2. To blackout

On the other hand, the phrase "to blackout" is a noun referring to the act of cutting off the power supply, usually as a result of a planned action or a technical issue. It can also mean the enforced darkness of a city during a war or emergency. Here are a few examples:

• During the storm, the entire neighborhood experienced a blackout for several hours.
• The city declared a blackout to protect its citizens from the aerial bombing.
• We had to use candles during the blackout because there was no electricity.

It's important to note that the phrase "to blackout" is also used as a single word in certain contexts, such as blackout curtains or blackout shades, which are designed to block out light.

Linguix grammar checker can help you avoid using the incorrect form "to blackout" instead of "to black out".