Browse all

go out

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To leave your home, for a light to stop burning, or to have a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Literal meaning: To move out of a place — the foundational sense from which all others branch.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To leave your home or workplace, especially for a social occasion.

"Are you going out tonight, or staying in?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

For a fire, flame, or light to stop burning or functioning.

"The candle went out in the draught from the window."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 idiomatic informal

To be in a romantic relationship with someone.

"She's been going out with him for two years."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B1 idiomatic neutral

To be eliminated from a competition or contest.

"Our team went out in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Essential senses: (1) to leave home or go somewhere socially; (2) for a fire or light to stop burning; (3) to be in a romantic relationship ('go out with someone'); (4) to be eliminated from a competition. Standard across all varieties of English.

Commonly used with

tonight for dinner fire lights with someone first round tide

Forms

Base
go out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes out
he/she/it
Past simple
went out
yesterday
Past participle
gone out
have + pp
-ing form
going out
continuous

Understand "go out" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

leave go to a social event date be extinguished be eliminated depart

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "go out" on Looplines