file out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To walk out of a room one by one in a neat line.
Literal meaning: To exit in a 'file' (a line of people one behind the other).
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To leave a room or space in a line, one person following another in an orderly way.
"When the bell rang, the pupils filed out of the classroom in silence."
""The congregation filed out of the church into the bright afternoon sun.""
— Cormac McCarthy, The Road, 2006
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as ceremonies, military drills, classrooms, and courtrooms. Conveys a sense of order and quiet movement.
Commonly used with
audience congregation soldiers students mourners prisoners
Forms
Base
file out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
files out
he/she/it
Past simple
filed out
yesterday
Past participle
filed out
have + pp
-ing form
filing out
continuous
Understand "file out" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "file out" on Looplines