got out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got out" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone has exited a place or has managed to escape from a situation. For example: After the fire alarm went off, we quickly got out of the building.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I got out.

The New York Times

25 birds got out.

The New Yorker

We just got out".

The New York Times

Ax got out early.

The New Yorker

So she got out?

The Guardian

She got out and waved.

The New Yorker

I'd just got out it.

Independent

Ahmad got out a calculator.

The New Yorker

Alcoa got out in 2007.

The Economist

"Word got out," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I got out-pitched".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got out" to describe a simple act of leaving a place or escaping a situation. It's versatile and suitable for many contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "got out" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "exited" or "departed" for enhanced clarity and a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "got out" primarily functions as a verb indicating the act of leaving a place or situation. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe physically exiting a vehicle or building, or metaphorically escaping a difficult circumstance. This aligns with the common understanding and usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got out" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb primarily used to indicate the act of leaving or escaping. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and widely accepted, especially in news and media contexts. While it may not be suitable for highly formal writing, it's appropriate for general communication and narratives. Alternatives like "exited", "left", and "escaped" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and nuance. Remember to use "got out" to convey a clear sense of departure or escape, and consider the context to choose the most fitting synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exited

Refers to leaving a place, similar to "got out" but more formal.

left

A simple and direct synonym for leaving a place or situation.

escaped

Implies leaving a dangerous or confined situation.

departed

A more formal way of saying someone left a place.

cleared out

Suggests leaving a place quickly and completely.

withdrew

Suggests a deliberate removal from a situation or organization.

bailed out

Implies abandoning a situation, often one that is difficult or dangerous.

retreated

Implies moving back or away from a position or situation.

took off

Suggests leaving quickly or suddenly.

absented oneself

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying someone left.

FAQs

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

"Got out" is a phrasal verb used to describe leaving a place or situation. For example, "She "got out" of the car" or "He "got out" of a difficult situation."

What are some alternatives to using "got out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exited", "left", or "escaped" instead of "got out".

Is it appropriate to use "got out" in formal writing?

While "got out" is commonly used, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives like "departed" or "withdrew" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "got out" and "escaped"?

"Got out" generally means leaving a place, while "escaped" specifically implies leaving a dangerous or confined situation. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.