exit the building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exit the building" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions or indicating the action of leaving a structure. Example: "In case of an emergency, please exit the building calmly and proceed to the designated assembly area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No pictures of cats (too 2007), no comparing anyone to Hitler, no posting a link to that sign that says "EXIT THE BUILDING BEFORE TWEETING ABOUT IT".

The Guardian - Opinion

Exit the building according to building evacuation procedures.

Stanford University

Please exit the building and go out to the street to smoke.

Stanford University

Exit the building quickly and safely, closing the door behind you.

Stanford University

I instructed everyone to hold each other's hand and we would exit the building".

The New York Times

But there is no one who saw him exit the building".

The New York Times

As the pope and I were getting ready to exit the building, we found ourselves alone.

The Washington Post

Cautiously exit the building carry a towel or blanket to protect yourself from flames and smoke and take your key with you in case you can't exit the building and must return to your room.

Stanford University

Exit the building, cross two streets and the green, into the second building and up the stairs.

The New Yorker

When we exit the building, I hold open the door and wait for him to pass through.

The New Yorker

They were centimeters from having the Pacers' Reggie Miller exit the building with 31 points as a consolation prize.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to leave a building, consider the context. In emergencies, "evacuate the building" is more appropriate than "exit the building".

Common error

Avoid using "exit the building" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "leave" or "go out" are often more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exit the building" functions primarily as an instruction or description of an action. Ludwig confirms that it is correct. It's used to direct or describe someone leaving a structure. The examples showcase its use in both imperative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exit the building" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe or instruct someone to leave a structure. As indicated by Ludwig, it is correct and widely used. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news reports and academic contexts. For increased formality, consider alternatives such as "depart from the building", but avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler phrases are preferable. Remember to reserve "evacuate the building" for emergency scenarios. This advice will help you utilize this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leave the premises

Uses a more general term for the location.

Evacuate the building

Implies an urgent or emergency situation.

Vacate the premises

Similar to leave the premises but slightly more formal.

Get out of the building

More informal and direct.

Depart from the building

More formal and emphasizes the act of leaving.

Egress from the building

A technical term for exiting, often used in building codes.

Clear the building

Often used in emergency or security contexts.

Emerge from the building

Focuses on the act of coming out.

Go outside

A simple and general way to express leaving the building.

Step outside

Similar to 'go outside' but with a slightly different nuance.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "exit the building"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "depart from the building" or "vacate the premises", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "evacuate the building" instead of "exit the building"?

Use "evacuate the building" when there is an imminent threat or emergency requiring immediate departure for safety. "Exit the building" is more general.

What are some less formal alternatives to "exit the building"?

Less formal alternatives include "leave the building", "get out of the building", or simply "go outside".

Is it correct to say "exit out of the building"?

While understandable, "exit out of the building" is somewhat redundant. It's better to simply say "exit the building", as "exit" already implies moving out or away.