Phrasal verb
branch out
Definition
phrasal verb. to start doing something new or different from your usual work or interests. You use this when a person or business grows by trying new things.
phrasal verb. To extend one's interests, activities, or business into a new area. This phrasal verb is intransitive and typically functions to describe diversification from a core focus.
Examples
“The small bakery decided to branch out into making wedding cakes.”
“After working as a graphic designer for a decade, Mark decided to branch out and start his own marketing consultancy.”
“The tech giant's decision to branch out into renewable energy surprised investors, who had previously viewed the firm solely as a software provider.”
Examples
simple
“The small bakery decided to branch out into making wedding cakes.”
contextual
“After working as a graphic designer for a decade, Mark decided to branch out and start his own marketing consultancy.”
complex
“The tech giant's decision to branch out into renewable energy surprised investors, who had previously viewed the firm solely as a software provider.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'into' to specify the new field or activity.
Teaching tip
Use the visual of a tree trunk and its branches to illustrate how a person or company grows outward from a central starting point.
Pitfall
He wants to branch out his skills.
He wants to branch out into new skills.
The verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; it requires 'into' to link to the new area.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
branch + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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