Phrasal verb
go out
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave your home to spend time with other people or enjoy a social activity. You might use this when you go to a party, a restaurant, or a movie.
phrasal verb. to leave one's home for social purposes or entertainment. This sense is intransitive and often functions as a complete predicate or is followed by a prepositional phrase of purpose.
Examples
“We usually go out for dinner on Friday nights.”
“They rarely go out during the week because they both have to wake up early for work.”
“While some prefer the quiet of a library, others feel a constant need to go out and engage with the bustling energy of the city.”
Examples
simple
“We usually go out for dinner on Friday nights.”
contextual
“They rarely go out during the week because they both have to wake up early for work.”
complex
“While some prefer the quiet of a library, others feel a constant need to go out and engage with the bustling energy of the city.”
Usage
Usually stands alone or is followed by 'for' plus a noun or 'to' plus a verb.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'stay in' to help students understand the social context; it is helpful to mention the 'dating' sense for B1+ students.
Pitfall
We are going out for have dinner.
We are going out for dinner.
The preposition 'for' must be followed by a noun phrase rather than a base verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/go-out