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head out

A2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To leave and go somewhere.

Literal meaning: To direct yourself 'out' (outside or away from a place).

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To leave where you are and go to another place, usually in a relaxed or purposeful manner.

"We're going to head out for lunch in about ten minutes — want to come?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal

To move in a particular direction, often away from a central area toward the outskirts or open space.

"After setting up camp, they decided to head out into the desert to watch the sunset."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday American and British English. Typically used for casual departures rather than formal journeys. Often followed by a destination phrase ('head out to the shops', 'head out for a walk'). Friendly and conversational in tone.

Commonly used with

for a walk to the shops early soon tonight tomorrow

Forms

Base
head out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
heads out
he/she/it
Past simple
headed out
yesterday
Past participle
headed out
have + pp
-ing form
heading out
continuous

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