# Comment Out Meaning in Code (with Examples)

> To comment out code means to turn lines into comments so the computer skips them, without deleting them.

- **Term:** comment out
- **Part of speech:** phrasal verb
- **Pronunciation:** /ˈkɒment aʊt/
- **English level (CEFR):** B1–B2
- **Register:** Casual, Both
- **Region:** US and UK
- **Topic:** [Code and Git terms](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/topics/software-development-terms.md)
- **Lesson:** https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/comment-out
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-27

## Meaning

To comment out code means to turn lines into comments so the computer skips them, without deleting them. Developers do it to switch code off for a test or to debug.

When you comment out code, you add special characters (like // or /* */) so the computer ignores that code. The code stays in the file but does not run. This is useful for testing or when you might need the code later.

## When you hear it

Used in code reviews, pair programming, Slack, and PR discussions. Rarely in formal documents or client meetings.

## Examples

- **Standup:** "I commented out the failing tests so we could deploy yesterday, but I'll fix them today."
- **Slack message:** "Hey, can you comment out that console.log before merging?"
- **GitHub PR:** "I've commented out the old API call for now — we can remove it completely once the new endpoint is stable."
- **Jira ticket:** "As a temporary fix, comment out the validation check until the backend team updates the schema."
- **Retrospective:** "We had to comment out half the feature because we ran out of time in the sprint."
- **Sprint planning:** "If we can't finish the caching logic, we'll comment it out and ship without it."
- **Pair programming:** "Try commenting out that line and see if the error disappears."

## What native speakers say

- "Can you comment out that function for now?"
- "I commented out the old logic until we're sure the new version works."
- "Just comment it out — don't delete it yet."
- "Let's comment out this section and see if the bug goes away."
- "I'd recommend commenting out that code instead of removing it."

## Common mistakes

- ✗ "I commented the code." → ✓ "I commented out the code." (You need 'out' to mean 'disable'. Without 'out', it sounds like you wrote a comment about the code.)
- ✗ "I commented out it." → ✓ "I commented it out." (When using a pronoun (it, them), the pronoun goes between the verb and 'out'.)
- ✗ "I will comment out the code out." → ✓ "I will comment out the code." (Don't repeat 'out'. Use it only once.)

## Word forms

| Part of speech | Word | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| base form | comment out | Let's comment out this function. |
| past tense | commented out | I commented out the broken code. |
| present participle | commenting out | I'm commenting out the old logic now. |
| past participle | commented out | The validation has been commented out. |
| opposite | uncomment | Uncomment the debug line before you run it. |


## Collocations

- **comment out a line**: Disable one line of code
- **comment out a section**: Disable a block of multiple lines
- **comment out for now**: Temporarily disable with intent to revisit
- **comment out the old code**: Keep previous version inactive but available
- **comment out and test**: Disable to see if it fixes a problem

## Synonyms

- **disable**: More general; can mean turning off features too, not just code
- **deactivate**: More formal; used for features or settings more than code
- **turn off**: Casual; usually for features, not specific lines of code
- **exclude**: Used in build configs; means 'don't include' rather than 'add comment syntax'

## Opposites

- uncomment
- enable
- activate
- restore

## Practice

This lesson has 4 practice exercises with instant feedback on the page: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/comment-out

## FAQ

### What does "comment out" mean in coding?

It means disable code by turning it into a comment. In JavaScript you add // at the start of the line; in Python you add #. The code stays in the file but does not run.

### Is it OK to leave commented-out code in a pull request?

Usually not. Reviewers often ask "can you delete this instead of commenting it out?" because version control already keeps the old code.

### What is the opposite of "comment out"?

Uncomment. "Uncomment line 12 to turn logging back on" means remove the comment marks so the code runs again.

### What does 'comment out' mean in programming?

Comment out means to disable code by adding comment syntax (like // or /* */). The code stays in the file but the computer ignores it when running the program.

### Why would you comment out code instead of deleting it?

Developers comment out code when they might need it later, when debugging to isolate a problem, or when testing different approaches. It's easier to restore commented code than to rewrite deleted code.

### What's the difference between 'comment out' and 'uncomment'?

Comment out means adding comment syntax to disable code. Uncomment means removing the comment syntax to enable the code again. They are opposite actions.

### Is it bad practice to leave commented-out code in a project?

Many teams consider leftover commented-out code to be technical debt. It can confuse other developers. Best practice is to remove it once you're sure you don't need it, since version control keeps the history.

### How do you use 'comment out' with pronouns like 'it'?

When using a pronoun, put it between the verb and 'out': 'comment it out' (correct), not 'comment out it' (incorrect). With a noun, both work: 'comment out the code' or 'comment the code out'.

### Can I say 'comment out' in a code review or standup?

Yes, 'comment out' is very common in code reviews, pair programming, standups, and Slack messages. It's standard developer vocabulary used daily in tech teams.


## Related

- [refactor](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/refactor.md)
- [dead code](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/dead-code.md)
- [code review](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/code-review.md)
- [merge](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/merge.md)
- [revert](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/revert.md)
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