go dutch

USAGE SUMMARY

"go Dutch" is a correct expression in written English.
It's an idiom used to refer to a situation in which each participant pays their own expenses. An example sentence could be: "Let's go out for dinner tonight - let's go Dutch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Lots of cyclists want to Go Dutch.

The Guardian

We could go dutch if you are".

The New Yorker

Time for more of the world to go Dutch.

The Economist

There are plenty of reasons to go Dutch.

The Guardian

Still, he could not bring himself to go Dutch.

The New York Times - Sports

It might be expensive, so several city buildings could go Dutch on it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Forget about going dutch to the dealership.

The New York Times

Going Dutch is an archaic feminist relic.

The New York Times

"We are going Dutch today," Fields wrote on Aug. 4.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps it's time to think about going Dutch?

Independent

Rumour has it that Debenhams has gone Dutch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting splitting costs, use "go dutch" to clearly and concisely convey that each person is responsible for their own expenses, especially in informal settings.

Common error

Be mindful of cultural contexts when using "go dutch". In some cultures, it may be considered impolite, especially on a first date. Consider the recipient's background to avoid potential offense.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "go dutch" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an agreement or intention to divide costs equally. Ludwig confirms that it's a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "go dutch" is a common and accepted way to express the idea of sharing expenses equally, particularly in social settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While generally informal to neutral in register, it's essential to consider cultural contexts to avoid potential misunderstandings. Alternatives like "split the bill" or "pay your own way" offer similar meanings, and this guide helps navigate appropriate usage and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split the bill

Focuses specifically on dividing the cost of a bill, often in a restaurant.

pay your own way

Emphasizes individual financial responsibility for expenses.

share the expenses

Highlights the joint contribution to covering costs.

each pay their share

Stresses the individual obligation to contribute an equal portion.

split the cost evenly

Implies a fair division of expenses among participants.

pay half each

Specific to dividing the cost into two equal portions.

go fifty-fifty

Informal way of saying to split the bill equally.

contribute equally

Highlights an equal financial contribution from each person.

dutch treat

An older, less common term with the same meaning.

separate checks

Each person gets their own bill to pay.

FAQs

What does "go dutch" mean in a relationship?

In a relationship, "go dutch" means each person pays for their own expenses, rather than one person paying for both. This is especially common when "splitting the bill" on dates.

Is it appropriate to suggest to "go dutch" on a first date?

Whether it's appropriate to suggest to "go dutch" on a first date depends on cultural norms and personal preferences. It's generally acceptable in many Western cultures, but consider your date's expectations and be open to their preference.

What's a more formal way to say "go dutch"?

While "go dutch" is fairly informal, a more formal way to express the same idea is to say "each person will pay their own way" or "we'll split the expenses".

How do you politely suggest to "go dutch"?

You can politely suggest to "go dutch" by saying something like, "Let's each get our own check," or "shall we split the bill?"