flat out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flat out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is done completely or without reservation, often in the context of stating a fact or opinion. Example: "He was flat out wrong about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Marnie flat out failed.

The New Yorker

We're running flat out".

The New York Times

That is flat out wrong.

The New York Times

Flat out, I don't want to".

The New Yorker

Bodies flat out, the jockeys' minds whirr.

BBC

("Rockford" was comedy flat out).

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's flat-out illegal.

The New York Times

"Flat-out tough".

The New York Times - Sports

But flat-out irresponsible.

The New York Times

"They flat-out outplayed us".

The New York Times - Sports

They flat-out denied involvement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flat out" to add emphasis when you want to express something directly and without hesitation, but be mindful of its informal tone. It's effective in casual conversation or news articles to convey strong feelings or opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "flat out" in highly formal documents or academic papers where a more neutral or precise term like "completely" or "absolutely" would be more appropriate. It can make your writing sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flat out" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying verbs or adjectives to intensify their meaning. As Ludwig AI suggests, it often emphasizes the completeness or directness of an action or state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flat out" is an adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something is done completely, directly, or without reservation. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to note that its usage is more appropriate in informal or journalistic contexts rather than formal or academic writing. Its communicative purpose is to add emphasis and certainty, making statements more forceful. Common alternatives include "completely", "absolutely", and "totally". The phrase frequently appears in news and media sources, but is far less common in other areas like academic or scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely

Emphasizes totality or absence of exceptions, less idiomatic than "flat out".

absolutely

Similar to completely but can also convey emphasis or agreement, and is less informal.

totally

Conveys completeness or being without exception, and is often used in informal contexts.

outright

Implies directness or lack of subtlety, and has a slightly more formal tone.

unequivocally

Stresses the absence of ambiguity or doubt; more formal and emphatic.

categorically

Similar to unequivocally, but implies a firm, clear declaration, and has a formal tone.

expressly

Conveys explicit and direct statement of something, used more in formal settings.

point blank

Indicates a direct and blunt manner, often in response to something, and is generally less formal.

without reservation

Highlights the absence of doubts or conditions, and is more formal and verbose.

in no uncertain terms

Emphasizes clarity and firmness in communication, and is slightly more emphatic.

FAQs

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

You can use "flat out" to emphasize a statement or action. For example, "He was "flat out wrong" about the calculations", or "She "flat out refused" to participate".

What can I say instead of "flat out"?

You can use alternatives like "completely", "absolutely", or "totally" depending on the context. Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance, but all can effectively replace "flat out".

Is "flat out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "flat out" is widely understood, it's generally better suited for informal or journalistic writing. Formal contexts may benefit from using alternatives such as "completely" or "absolutely" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "flat out" and "completely"?

"Flat out" carries a more emphatic and sometimes informal tone, while "completely" is more neutral and suitable for a wider range of contexts. "Flat out" also often implies a lack of hesitation or reservation, whereas "completely" simply indicates the totality of something.