dock out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dock out" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in specific contexts related to docking or departing, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "After finishing the repairs, we will dock out at sunset."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Men in black T-shirts bustle about, moving mysterious tall black cases to the shipping dock out back.

The New York Times

Green did all the carpentry, & plumbing & contrived an anchorage for prosepective guests by running a wobbly plank dock out to deep water.

The New Yorker

The above-water structure presents no particular problem and can generally be given maintenance care without putting the dock out of use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The all-you-can-eat fried fish with tartar sauce, a starch and vegetables ($9), available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, are caught off the dock out front.

The New York Times

Mass transit that would pull up to the dock out back was an important "incentive to buy here," Mr. Schey said of Schaefer Landing, which is on the former site of a Schaefer beer plant.

The New York Times

One is the docking pilot, who boards a large ship near her pier, and, commanding one or more tugs by radio from the ship's bridge, brings her into her dock - and who, again using tugs moves her from her dock out into the open water of the harbor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They're all tied right, they're all tied so they're not going to rip the docks out," he said.

The New York Times

The house is owned by two never-married middle-aged brothers, Drs. Michael S. and Gerard I. Turano, gynecologists whose 39-foot yacht, Special Delivery, is often docked out back.

The New York Times

The gift prompted the troopers to evacuate the entire terminal and stop all incoming ferries from docking "out of an abundance of caution," according to State Patrol's statement.

Vice

We were shooting Blood and Wine at a private home in Miami Beach where the expensive mansion was just perfect for our needs - including a well-appointed yacht docked out back.

Huffington Post

Oracle Team USA grinder Shannon Falcone holds his seven-month-old son Cade during the dock-out ceremony.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dock out" to describe a vessel's departure from a docking point, or to indicate a state of inoperability for a dock, ensuring the context clarifies the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "dock out" in contexts where a more common verb like "depart", "leave", or "disable" would be clearer. Overusing it can sound unnatural, especially when describing general departures or equipment malfunctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dock out" functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of a vessel leaving a dock or, alternatively, a state where a dock is rendered unusable. As Ludwig AI explained, its recognition and clarity depend heavily on context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

HuffPost

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

The New York Times - Sports

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dock out" functions as a phrasal verb with two main meanings: a vessel leaving a dock, or a dock being out of service. While grammatically acceptable, it's not a very common phrase, and its meaning can be ambiguous without sufficient context. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, more common alternatives like ""leave the dock"" or ""out of service"" might be clearer in many situations. Its usage is primarily found in news and media, with less frequent occurrences in encyclopedias or sports writing. Therefore, consider the audience and clarity when deciding whether to use "dock out".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undock

A single word that directly means to leave a dock, offering a more concise alternative.

leave the dock

A more explicit way of saying "dock out", specifying the action of departing from a dock.

pull away from the dock

Emphasizes the action of moving away from the dock.

set sail

Implies beginning a journey by water, moving from the dock.

put out of commission

Similar to "dock out" when referring to a dock being unusable, but applies more broadly to any equipment or facility.

out of service

Indicates that something, including a dock, is not currently functional or available for use.

depart from the pier

Similar to "leave the dock" but uses "pier" instead of "dock".

move from the dock

A more general way of expressing the action of leaving a dock.

sail away

Similar to "set sail", implying a journey beginning from the dock.

become inoperable

Focuses on the state of being unable to function, like a dock that is "docked out".

FAQs

What does "dock out" mean?

The phrase "dock out" can refer to a vessel leaving a dock or a dock being rendered unusable or out of service.

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

You might say, "The ship will "leave the dock" at noon," or "The explosion put the dry "out of service" until the end of the war."

Which is a better choice, "dock out" or "leave the dock"?

While both are acceptable, ""leave the dock"" is more common and universally understood. "Dock out" can be used, but ensure the context is clear.

Are there alternatives to "dock out"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "depart from the dock" for a vessel leaving or "out of commission" or ""out of service"" when referring to a dock being unusable.