exit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a route or path out of a place. For example, "He went to the nearest exit to get out of the crowded room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is why we will propose a 'double lock', meaning that exit from the European Union would only be possible if all UK nations agreed.

The Guardian

Whelan became aware of the gathering of reporters outside his Copacabana hotel and, advised by lawyers, left by an employees' side exit.

The Guardian - Sport

BBC1's Election 2015 programme had an average of 4.3 million viewers, a 38.5% share, from 9.55pm on Thursday, kicking off with its shock exit poll that predicted an unexpected 316 seats for the Conservatives.

The Guardian

More than ever, Greece seems headed for the exit door.

The Guardian

To the delight of Eurosceptics, the prime minister will throw down the gauntlet to his fellow EU leaders to agree to a revision of Britain's membership terms within two and a half years of the next general election or risk triggering a British exit.

The Guardian

Arsenal did win the second leg of the last-16 tie 2-0 in Munich but it was not enough to prevent the away-goals exit.

The Guardian - Sport

He should have added, for any voters distracted by the recent Lynton Crosby-led mind games, that a coalition of the Tories and UKIP – formal or not – will ignore Scotland, however strong the SNP, as it heads towards exit from the EU.

The Guardian

"I think there's a real danger for the UK and the Westminster parties if they present a referendum that would lead to exit from the EU," she tells me.

The Guardian

At the very least, I suggest to him, a British exit would create no end of economic turbulence.

The Guardian

Related: Election 2015 results live: exit poll puts Tories on 316 seats with Labour on 239 But all of them would have remembered the lessons of exit polls past.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the parties warned by this poll of defeat, they prepare for a long night ahead in which they will hope for local factors – a popular candidate or a better on-the-ground operation – that will somehow see them home and defy the exit poll.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exit" to clearly indicate a physical route out of a place or a metaphorical departure from a situation. For formal contexts, consider "egress" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "exit" when you mean "enter". "Exit" signifies leaving, while "enter" signifies going in. Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "exit" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a way out of a place or a departure. It can also function as a verb, meaning to leave. Ludwig confirms these uses with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

20%

Politics

15%

Less common in

Business

5%

Travel

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "exit" is a versatile term that commonly functions as a noun or verb, indicating a way out or the act of leaving. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans various contexts, from physical locations to abstract scenarios. The term is generally neutral in register, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles. It is frequently found in news and media, sports reporting, and political discussions. While "egress" serves as a more formal alternative, it's important to avoid confusing "exit" with "enter". Overall, "exit" is a correct and usable term in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departure

Focuses on the act of leaving or going away.

way out

Emphasizes the availability of a route to leave.

egress

A more formal term for a way out or departure.

withdrawal

Implies a retreat or removal from a situation.

escape

Highlights the act of getting free from danger or confinement.

leave-taking

Emphasizes the act of saying goodbye and departing.

going away

A simple and direct way to express departure.

passing

Refers to the act of dying or ceasing to exist.

expiration

Suggests the end of a term or period.

outflow

Describes the movement of something out of a place.

FAQs

How can I use "exit" in a sentence?

You can use "exit" to refer to a way out of a place, as in "He found the nearest exit". It can also mean the act of leaving, such as "Her sudden exit surprised everyone". Or it can be used as a verb, as in "Please exit the building in an orderly fashion".

What's a more formal alternative to the word "exit"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using the word "egress", which is often used in official or architectural contexts to denote a way out.

Is "exit" only used for physical locations?

No, "exit" can also be used metaphorically to describe leaving a situation or position. For example, "His exit from the company was unexpected".

Which is correct, "the exit" or "an exit"?

Both are correct, depending on the context. Use "the exit" when referring to a specific, known exit. Use "an exit" when referring to any exit or one of multiple exits available.