going out the back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going out the back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to exiting through the back entrance of a location. For example, "I was in a hurry, so I decided to go out the back to avoid the crowds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We've got that tiny little road coming in, and one little road going out the back end.

The Guardian

"Just getting into the Olympic final, going out the back and doing my warm-ups, I was like: 'I'm an Olympic finalist!'" she said.

The Guardian - Sport

If the government had maintained the previous media laws, "we could have seen significant Australian media organisations going out the back door".

The Guardian

I'm always watching the front door when it's the back door, because the money's going out the back door," Winn said.

The Washington Post

And the phrase "when nature calls" isn't just a euphemism -- trips to the bathroom mean going out the back door and around the corner to the outhouse.

The New York Times - Travel

"The auditors said the money was going out the back door," said Paul Tonna, the Republican presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Going out into the back country requires you to take extra precautions for all of the obvious reasons.

WikiHow

Ratzenberger grew up in a factory town in Connecticut where, he recalls, "family vacations for us meant going out in the back yard".

Independent

But that all involves going out, back into the real world.

The Guardian - Travel

"They couldn't even go out to the back yard or the front garden for five months.

Independent

They went out the back door.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going out the back" to describe a literal exit through a rear door, or figuratively to describe avoiding a direct or formal approach.

Common error

Avoid using "going out the back" when a more direct or formal exit is expected or appropriate, as it can imply secrecy or avoidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going out the back" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of exiting through the back, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going out the back" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It typically describes the act of exiting through a rear entrance, often implying informality or avoidance. While not common in formal or academic writing, it's frequently found in news and general discussions. Related phrases include ""leaving by the back door"" and ""slipping out the back"", offering nuanced ways to express the same idea. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it doesn't unintentionally suggest dishonesty or secrecy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exiting through the rear

Focuses on the action of leaving via the back, emphasizing the exit.

leaving by the back door

Highlights the use of the back door as the means of departure.

slipping out the back

Implies a discreet or secretive departure.

exiting from the rear

A more formal way of saying leaving from the back.

departing via the back

Emphasizes the action of departing and the chosen route.

taking the back exit

Focuses on choosing the rear exit as the way to leave.

exiting the back way

Indicates leaving through a less common or less obvious exit.

using the rear egress

A formal way of stating using the rear exit.

exiting the backdoor

It refers to leaving using the back door as exit.

going through the back

It refers to the action of passing through the back of a building.

FAQs

How can I use "going out the back" in a sentence?

You can use "going out the back" to describe someone physically leaving through a back door or to suggest avoiding a direct approach. For example, "He was trying to avoid reporters, so he ended up "leaving by the back door"."

What are some alternatives to "going out the back"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "exiting through the rear", "leaving by the back door", or "slipping out the back". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the physical exit, the avoidance of something, or a sense of secrecy.

Is "going out the back" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "going out the back" leans towards informal usage. In formal contexts, consider more direct and neutral phrases like "exiting through the rear" or "departing via the back".

When might "going out the back" have a negative connotation?

It can imply dishonesty or avoidance when someone is expected to face a situation directly. For example, if a leader "slips out the back" during a crisis, it suggests a lack of courage or responsibility.