barely out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has just recently emerged or been released, often implying that it is only just outside of a certain state or condition. Example: "The movie is barely out, but it has already received rave reviews from critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Barely out of high school, unable to live at home, I got a job as a computer programmer.

The New Yorker

Some parents are barely out of their teens.

The New York Times

The ads were barely out when the outcry began.

The New York Times

They were both barely out of their teens.

The Guardian - Travel

The words are barely out before he's pointing 20 metres ahead and shouting.

Independent

As a result, the band are barely out of their teens, but play like pros.

The Guardian - Music

The founders were three boys barely out of school: Gary Sinise, Jeff Perry and Terry Kinney.

The Guardian

She is a petite woman in a pageboy haircut who looks barely out of her teens.

The New York Times

Those were hard times: the Japanese were barely out and food was scarce.

The New York Times - Arts

Companies that are barely out of the gate are getting disrupted.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this race four years ago, he barely out-touched Milorad Cavic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely out", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the sense of something having just recently emerged or exceeded a limit. For instance, "barely out of high school" effectively communicates youth and inexperience.

Common error

Avoid using "barely out" when a more significant separation or passage of time is intended. For example, saying someone is "barely out of college" five years after their graduation would be inaccurate; instead, opt for phrases like "several years out of college".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely out" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a state of being just beyond a certain condition. As Ludwig AI shows, this is often used to describe age or a recent event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barely out" functions as an adverbial phrase used to express that something has recently emerged or exceeded a limit by a small margin. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase's neutral register and wide applicability make it a valuable tool for conveying recency or a minimal degree of separation. When using "barely out", remember to ensure that the context accurately reflects the intended sense of recent emergence or minimal separation, and to avoid using it when a more significant separation or passage of time is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just beyond

Emphasizes the position slightly past a certain point.

hardly beyond

Highlights the minimal extent of exceeding a limit.

scarcely past

Focuses on the narrow margin by which something has surpassed a condition.

newly released

Specifically refers to items or information recently made available.

freshly emerged

Implies a recent and often sudden appearance.

recently exited

Describes something that has just left a particular state or place.

just clear of

Indicates being slightly free from an obstacle or situation.

only just outside

Stresses the narrowness of the separation from a boundary.

virtually outside

Suggests being almost entirely free from a constraint.

barely clear

Highlights the precariousness of having overcome a difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "barely out" in a sentence?

You can use "barely out" to describe something that has recently emerged or someone who has just left a particular stage of life. For example: "She's "barely out" of her teens."

What are some alternatives to saying "barely out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "just beyond", "newly released", or "freshly emerged" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "barely out of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "barely out of" followed by a noun phrase. For example: "barely out of college".

What's the difference between "barely out" and "hardly out"?

"Barely out" suggests a very recent emergence or departure, whereas "hardly out" emphasizes the lack of time or distance. The difference is subtle but can impact the nuance of your sentence. For example: "He's "hardly out of sight"", emphasis on how close he still is.