contract out

USAGE SUMMARY

"contract out" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is usually used to refer to an agreement between two parties that one will provide services to the other on an outsourced basis. For example, "The company decided to contract out their call center to a third-party provider."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"So they contract out the decision-making process.

The New York Times

In mid-2014, the group began to contract out excavation.

The Guardian

Several years ago GE spotted that airlines were increasingly keen to contract out this work.

The Economist

We contract out to a third-party partner that provides us with the title search product".

The New York Times

"Members of Congress used earmarks to contract out their campaign financing," he said.

The New York Times

When should a government provide a service inhouse and when should it contract out provision?

Harvard University

Under the two other options, the Transit Authority would contract out more services to private fleets.

The New York Times

Apparently, given how cheap labor is, middle-class Chinese consumers prefer to contract out their repairs.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Significant volume in September contract out-of-the-money puts is notable, as well.

Forbes

Seed multiplication is mainly carried out through contract out-growers mainly on commercial TDL.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Local councils of all political colours now contract-out important services.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding whether to "contract out" a service, carefully weigh the cost savings against potential loss of control and quality.

Common error

Avoid using "contract out" interchangeably with phrases like "delegate" without considering the context. "Delegate" implies assigning tasks internally, while "contract out" specifically refers to hiring an external party.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract out" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of delegating or assigning work to an external entity rather than performing it internally. Ludwig examples show various entities, from companies to government agencies, using this action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contract out" is a verb phrase that describes the act of delegating work or services to an external provider. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is generally understood to mean outsourcing a task, and is deemed grammatically correct. Its usage is common in formal and business contexts, as well as in news and media. When using "contract out", it's important to consider the context and whether a more concise alternative like "outsource" might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outsource

A single word that directly conveys the meaning of delegating work to an external party, offering a more concise alternative.

subcontract

Implies hiring another company or individual to perform a specific part of a larger project, suggesting a division of labor.

delegate

Refers to entrusting a task or responsibility to another party, emphasizing the act of assigning rather than the external nature.

farm out

An informal expression suggesting sending work to an external provider, often implying a focus on cost savings.

commission

Implies formally requesting and paying for a service or product from an external provider, often used in creative or specialized fields.

hire externally

Explicitly states the act of engaging services from outside the organization, clarifying the source of the expertise.

procure services

Focuses on the process of obtaining services from external suppliers, emphasizing the formal acquisition aspect.

source externally

Highlights the act of finding and utilizing resources from outside the organization, often used in supply chain contexts.

engage a third party

A more formal way to describe hiring an external organization. Emphasizes the involvement of an independent entity.

send work offshore

Specifically refers to outsourcing to a foreign country, often for cost advantages. Implies a geographical component.

FAQs

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

You can use "contract out" to describe a business practice where a company hires an external provider for specific tasks or services. For example: "The company decided to "contract out" its IT support to a specialized firm."

What are some alternatives to "contract out"?

Alternatives to "contract out" include "outsource", "subcontract", or "delegate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "contract out" or handle tasks internally?

Whether to "contract out" or handle tasks internally depends on factors like cost, expertise, and control. Contracting out can save money and provide access to specialized skills, but internal handling offers more control over quality and processes.

What are the benefits of using a third-party provider to "contract out" certain services?

Contracting out to a third-party provider can offer benefits such as reduced costs, access to specialized expertise, and increased efficiency by allowing the company to focus on its core competencies.