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MeggPhaggSioux Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Smash Out

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031200043.html

"From a distance, the store appeared to have survived Friday's devastation intact. But a closer look revealed several windows smashed out and walls buckled slightly outward. "

Any difference of meanings between "windows smashed out" and "windows smashed"?
  

Top answer

with 'out' it is a bit stronger- the windows are totally destroyed

— Anonymous

  • with 'out' it is a bit stronger- the windows are totally destroyed
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4 Answers
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with 'out' it is a bit stronger- the windows are totally destroyed
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Then,

"He accidentally smashed out the vase."

is more emphatic than,

"He accidentally smashed the vase."

?
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No, it only works here as a window has a frame - so the window has not only been smashed, but smashed so badly none of the glass is left in the frame. Of course, this does not work for a free-standing item like a vase.
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'Out' also means 'out of the frame', so that's why the vase doesn't work.
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