Phrasal verb
step out
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a room or building for a short time, usually to do a quick task or have a private talk.
phrasal verb. to depart briefly from a specific location or social situation with the intention of returning shortly. Intransitive in this sense, though it can be followed by a prepositional phrase of location.
Examples
“I need to step out for a minute to take this call.”
“The manager just stepped out to grab some lunch, but she will be back in ten minutes.”
“During the heated debate, the senator stepped out to consult with her advisors before making a final statement.”
Examples
simple
“I need to step out for a minute to take this call.”
contextual
“The manager just stepped out to grab some lunch, but she will be back in ten minutes.”
complex
“During the heated debate, the senator stepped out to consult with her advisors before making a final statement.”
Usage
often used with 'for a moment' or 'briefly' to show you will return soon.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'leave' (which can be permanent) and 'go out' (which often implies a social event or longer duration); 'step out' emphasizes the brief, temporary nature of the absence.
Pitfall
He stepped out the room.
He stepped out of the room.
when 'step out' is used with a specific location, the preposition 'of' is required to connect the verb to the place.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
step + 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.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 · Intermediate
- Updated
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