English Reference

Phrasal verb

head out

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place to go somewhere else.

phrasal verb. to depart or begin a journey; often used to signal the intention to leave a current location for a specific destination.

Examples

“We should head out now to avoid the traffic.”

“After finishing their coffee, they decided to head out and explore the city center.”

“The expedition team prepared to head out into the wilderness despite the warnings of an approaching storm.”

Examples

simple

“We should head out now to avoid the traffic.”

contextual

“After finishing their coffee, they decided to head out and explore the city center.”

complex

“The expedition team prepared to head out into the wilderness despite the warnings of an approaching storm.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “head out” in context.

Verb

01. head out and explore

“After checking into the hotel, we decided to head out and explore the city.”

verb + and + verb

02. head out early

“If we head out early, we can avoid the long lines at the museum.”

verb + adv

03. head out for dinner

“Are you ready to head out for dinner, or do you need more time?”

verb + prep + noun

04. head out on a trip

“They are heading out on a trip across Europe next Monday.”

verb + prep + noun

05. head out to the beach

“The sun is shining, so let's head out to the beach for the afternoon.”

verb + prep + noun

06. prepare to head out

“We should prepare to head out before the traffic gets too heavy.”

verb + infinitive

Usage

often followed by 'to' or 'for' when mentioning a destination.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'leave' (more neutral) and 'set off' (implies a longer journey); 'head out' is very common in casual spoken English to announce a departure.

Pitfall

I am heading out the house.

I am heading out of the house.

when 'out' is used with a specific starting point like 'the house', the preposition 'of' is required, though 'head out' alone is fine.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

head + out

Synonyms

leavedepartset offget going

Antonyms

stayarriveremain

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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