dip out

USAGE SUMMARY

"dip out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of quickly removing something from a container or surface, often using a scooping or dipping motion. Example: The chef used a ladle to dip out the soup into bowls for the customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

She chastised me for not having a spider to dip out the blanched vegetables.

The New York Times

"Owners can dip in and dip out when it suits them".

The Guardian - Travel

Skip huge tracts if you want to, dip in, dip out and don't worry about disrupting the narrative; there isn't one.

The Economist

To prepare it, Ms. Sortun spreads the dip out on plastic wrap, tops with herbs, pomegranate molasses and pomegranate seeds, and rolls the whole thing up.

The New York Times

I realized that I'm 30 and I just can't dip out on my loans forever.

Vice

I desperately looked for a good excuse to leave but felt like it would be rude to just dip out right as her friend got there.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Since then, she has tried writing and directing, but has also deliberately dipped out in order to live like a normal non-VIP.

The Guardian - Film

As the music crackled and popped and, for a spell, dipped out entirely, Annmaria Mazzini, in her darkly heartbreaking solo, didn't miss a beat.

The New York Times - Arts

Sneaker Pimp Shopping tour, SoHo and Lower East Side Your kid will be the king of Topeka when he returns "dipped out" in the limited dunks and street-flavor tees.

The New York Times

The company had been cash-flow positive, Nooney said, although it has "dipped out" of that now in a bid for growth.

TechCrunch

Chicken Man and Egg Bro dipped out too.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to liquids, the word is best used to indicate taking only a part from a larger whole. Example: "Add a slurry made from 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water (or dip out some of the chili juice to use)"

Common error

Avoid using "dip out" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "withdraw", "excuse oneself", or "depart" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dip out" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the action of leaving or withdrawing from a situation or place, often implying a quick or discreet departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "dip out" is a common and acceptable way to describe a quick or inconspicuous departure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid phrase in written English. While its usage is primarily informal, it does appear in news and media contexts. When writing, consider more formal alternatives like "withdraw" or "excuse oneself" for professional settings. Remember that "dip out" can also refer to extracting a small amount of something. With its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "dip out" is a useful phrase to understand and use appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duck out

Similar to "dip out", but implies a quick and perhaps slightly evasive departure.

leave abruptly

Focuses on the sudden departure aspect, without specifying a reason.

quietly exit

Emphasizes the discreet manner of leaving, suggesting avoiding attention.

slip away

Highlights the stealthy nature of leaving, often to avoid detection.

make an escape

Implies a deliberate attempt to get away from a situation.

bow out

Suggests a formal withdrawal, often from a commitment or activity.

withdraw from

Focuses on the action of pulling back or removing oneself from a situation.

extract oneself

Emphasizes the effort required to remove oneself from a difficult situation.

avoid involvement

Highlights the intention to stay out of a particular situation or activity.

opt out

Indicates a choice to not participate or be involved in something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "dip out"?

To "dip out" means to leave a place or situation quickly and often without telling anyone. It can also refer to extracting a small amount of something.

What are some alternatives to "dip out"?

Alternatives include "leave abruptly", "quietly exit", or "slip away" depending on the context.

Is "dip out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "dip out" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "withdraw", "excuse oneself", or "depart".

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

You might say, "I had to "dip out" early because I wasn't feeling well", or "He decided to "dip out" of the meeting without saying goodbye".