go out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very HighNeutral - common in informal, everyday, and some formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “go out” mean?
to leave one's home or usual place for social or entertainment purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to leave one's home or usual place for social or entertainment purposes.
To cease burning or functioning; to be in a romantic relationship; to be transmitted or broadcast.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, "go out" can mean 'to date someone' more commonly. In American English, 'go out with' is the dominant pattern for romantic dating. The phrase "to go out of business" is equally common in both.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects for socializing. The romantic usage may sound slightly more BE to AE ears.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both, with similar ranking.
Grammar
How to Use “go out” in a Sentence
[Sb] go out[Sb] go out (with [Sb])[Sb] go out (for [sth])[Sb] go out (of [sth])[Sth] go out (e.g., a fire)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We might go out for a curry later.
- Are you two going out? He seems lovely.
- The candle went out in the draught.
American English
- Let's go out for Mexican food tonight.
- They've been going out for six months now.
- All the lights went out during the storm.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'out' itself is the adverb particle.
American English
- N/A - 'out' itself is the adverb particle.
adjective
British English
- She loves her new going-out shoes.
- It's a great going-out top.
American English
- I need a new going-out dress.
- His going-out jeans are ripped.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The company will go out of business if sales don't improve."
Academic
"The study's findings went out in a prestigious journal."
Everyday
"Let's go out for dinner on Friday."
Technical
"The signal goes out from the main transmitter every second."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go out”
- Using 'go out' without a preposition when one is needed (e.g., 'I go out my friends' instead of 'I go out *with* my friends'). Overusing for simple 'leave' in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its most common meaning is social, but it also means to stop burning/functioning (a light goes out), to be in a romantic relationship, and to be sent/broadcast (an email goes out).
'Go out' alone usually means to leave for social reasons. 'Go out with' specifies the companions ('with friends') or, crucially, indicates a romantic relationship ('with Sarah').
Yes, but the preposition 'to' is often omitted or replaced. More natural: 'go out for a meal', 'go out to the cinema', 'go out dancing'.
No, 'go out' is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'go it out' or 'go the light out'. The object comes after the full phrase: 'go out with him', 'go out of the house'.
to leave one's home or usual place for social or entertainment purposes.
Go out is usually neutral - common in informal, everyday, and some formal contexts. in register.
Go out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go out on a limb”
- “go out of one's way”
- “go out with a bang”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'OUT' in GO OUT as moving OUT of your house for fun, or a light going OUT (to darkness).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIALIZING IS A JOURNEY OUTWARD; CESSATION IS DEPARTURE (the fire 'goes out' like a person leaving).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'go out' mean 'to stop burning'?