going outside

USAGE SUMMARY

"going outside" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used as part of a sentence to describe someone's planned or current activity of leaving the inside of a building or structure and being in the open air. Example: "I'm going to finish my work and then go outside to enjoy the sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wasn't going outside.

The New Yorker

Oh, you're going outside for a cigarette.

The New York Times

"I'm going outside to get some smog".

The New York Times

Going outside was not always better.

The New York Times

I avoid going outside whenever possible".

The New Yorker

No tv and no going outside before it was finished.

The New Yorker

Going outside is complicated, particularly if you have young children.

The New York Times

"I am just going outside and may be some time".

BBC

About half of this group only wore the watch when going outside (and alone).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

People avoid going outside at night.

Los Angeles Times

Going outside in the cold?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going outside" to simply describe the act of leaving an interior space, but consider alternatives like "stepping out" or "venturing out" to add nuance or emphasis to the reason for leaving.

Common error

While "going outside" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more specific and descriptive alternatives like "accessing external resources" or "engaging in field research" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going outside" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound. It commonly describes the action of leaving an enclosed space, either temporarily or permanently, and it can be the subject or object of a sentence, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going outside" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to describe the action of leaving an enclosed space. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. It is used across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, although its register is generally neutral, meaning it may be more appropriate for general communication but less suitable for formal or academic writing where more specific terminology might be preferred. When considering alternative phrases, such as "stepping out" or "heading outdoors", the specific context and desired nuance should be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going outdoors

A more direct and literal synonym.

stepping out

Focuses on the action of leaving a place, often briefly.

heading outdoors

Emphasizes the destination being the open environment.

leaving the house

Highlights the departure from a dwelling.

venturing out

Suggests a sense of exploration or risk.

exiting the building

Focuses on the act of leaving a structure.

taking a walk

Implies a leisurely activity in an outdoor setting.

getting some fresh air

Highlights the benefit of being outside.

spending time outdoors

Focuses on the duration of being outside.

exploring the outdoors

Emphasizes discovery and interaction with the natural environment.

FAQs

How can I use "going outside" in a sentence?

You can use "going outside" to describe the action of leaving an enclosed space. For example, "I am "going outside" to get some fresh air" or "Going outside is a great way to exercise".

What are some alternatives to "going outside"?

Some alternatives to "going outside" include "stepping out", "heading outdoors", or "venturing out" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "going outside"?

Yes, "going outside" is grammatically correct. It functions as a gerund phrase, which can act as a noun in a sentence.

When should I use "going outside" versus a more formal alternative?

Use "going outside" in informal or general contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "accessing external resources" or "conducting fieldwork" depending on the subject matter.