ENGLISH
REFERENCE

be out to

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to be trying very hard to do something, especially when it might hurt or bother other people.

phr. v.. to be purposefully and aggressively intent on achieving a specific goal, often with a predatory or self-interested connotation.


SIMPLE

He is out to win the race at any cost.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager is out to prove that the old team was lazy and inefficient.

COMPLEX

In the cutthroat world of corporate finance, it often feels as though every competitor is out to destroy your reputation for their own gain.

Particles
out to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
be + out + to + verb
Usage

usually followed by an infinitive verb; often implies a negative or selfish motive.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'aim to' or 'try to'; 'be out to' suggests a much stronger, almost obsessive level of determination.

Pitfall

He is out for win the game.He is out to win the game.the phrase 'be out to' must be followed by the base form of the verb, not 'for' plus a noun or gerund in this specific sense.

© 2026 English Reference