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Meaning trap

go out

leave home socially

To leave your home, especially to meet people or enjoy yourself.

phrasal verbB1core

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

leave home socially

To leave your home, especially to meet people or enjoy yourself.

go out (stop burning or working)

Another meaning of 'go out' is 'stop burning or working'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I usually go out with my friends on Friday nights.daily life
  • Personally, I don't go out very often during the week because I have a lot of homework, but I like to meet my friends at the weekend.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: go out (with someone/for something)

WrongWe went outside for dinner last night.

RightWe went out for dinner last night.

'Go out' (socialise) isn't 'go outside' (step into the open air).

Patterngo out (with someone/for something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Would you like to socialise outside this evening?

Natural Do you fancy going out tonight?

'Go out' is the natural phrase for going somewhere socially. 'Socialise outside' is awkward.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • go out + for/-ing
    for dinnerfor a drinkclubbingwith friends

Don't confuse it

'Go out' means to leave home for social reasons, while 'go outside' just means to step outdoors.

Try it in Daily Speak →