coming out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone announcing their sexual orientation publicly for the first time. For example: "Alice was nervous about her coming out, but was relieved when her friends showed support for her decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coming out changed too.

Independent

It's just coming out.

The New York Times

Coming out changed that.

The New York Times

A coming out party.

The New Yorker

Blood was coming out".

Independent

You're coming out, Haggart says.

The New Yorker

"MTV was just coming out.

The New Yorker

Recording was just coming out.

The Economist

"They are about coming out".

The New York Times

Thanks for coming out today".

The New York Times - Sports

Thank you for coming out!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "coming out", be sensitive to the individual's experience and use respectful language. Avoid making assumptions about their journey or identity.

Common error

Avoid using "coming out" solely in the context of sexual orientation if it refers to revealing any previously hidden information. The phrase is most strongly associated with disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity; use alternative phrasing for other types of revelations to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming out" functions primarily as a verbal noun or gerund describing the act of publicly disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Ludwig examples show its usage in expressing personal experiences, societal changes, and the impact of this disclosure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

The New Yorker

2%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coming out" is widely recognized and primarily associated with the act of publicly disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While the phrase can be used more broadly, it's crucial to be sensitive to its primary meaning and use it respectfully. Alternatives include "revealing true self" or "publicly declaring identity", but "stepping out of the closet" remains a closely related idiomatic variation. When writing about someone's experience, prioritize respect and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepping out of the closet

An idiomatic variation that indicates that someone is revealing something kept hidden.

announcing sexual orientation

Specifies the type of personal information being revealed, focusing on sexual orientation.

being open about identity

Focuses on the state of transparency regarding one's personal identity.

going public with identity

Stresses the transition from private to public knowledge of one's identity.

publicly declaring identity

Focuses on the act of declaration of one's identity rather than the specific context of doing so.

revealing true self

Emphasizes the personal aspect of unveiling one's authentic identity.

affirming one's identity

Focuses on the act of embracing and validating one's own identity.

making a declaration

Highlights the formal act of making an announcement about oneself.

unveiling one's true nature

Emphasizes the act of revealing something essential and innate about oneself.

disclosing personal information

A broader term encompassing the act of sharing private details about oneself.

FAQs

How is "coming out" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "coming out" is commonly used to describe the process of publicly disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, "She was nervous about "coming out" to her family".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "coming out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "revealing true self", "publicly declaring identity", or "stepping out of the closet".

Is "coming out" only related to sexual orientation?

While "coming out" is most often associated with disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity, it can also refer more broadly to revealing any significant aspect of oneself that was previously hidden. However, be aware of the primary association to avoid misinterpretation.

What should I avoid when writing about someone's "coming out" experience?

Avoid making assumptions about their experience, using insensitive language, or pressuring someone to "reveal true self" before they are ready. Respect their privacy and personal journey.