Phrasal verb
go out with
Definition
phrasal verb. to spend time with someone because you are in a romantic relationship with them.
phrasal verb. to be involved in a romantic or dating relationship with another person; an intransitive phrasal verb requiring a prepositional object.
Examples
“Is he still going out with Sarah?”
“They started going out with each other after meeting at a friend's wedding last summer.”
“Although they had been going out with one another for several years, they decided to remain friends rather than pursue a formal engagement.”
Examples
simple
“Is he still going out with Sarah?”
contextual
“They started going out with each other after meeting at a friend's wedding last summer.”
complex
“Although they had been going out with one another for several years, they decided to remain friends rather than pursue a formal engagement.”
Usage
always followed by 'with' when the partner is mentioned; 'go out' alone can mean to leave the house for social reasons.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'go out' (socializing generally) to avoid confusion; note that 'dating' is a more modern, often American-leaning synonym.
Pitfall
He is going out Sarah.
He is going out with Sarah.
the preposition 'with' is required to link the verb to the person being dated.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + out + with + object
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 C1.225–549EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-2
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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