got out of date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got out of date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has become outdated or no longer current. Example: "The software we were using got out of date, so we had to upgrade to the latest version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You're meeting a bitter old man and I am angry about it, because I haven't got out of date".

The Guardian - Music

The first iPod had a FireWire connector that nobody used, the first iPhone wasn't very good at taking calls and didn't have 3G, the first iPad was bulky and got out of date very quickly and the Apple TV was entire redesigned after its first iteration.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Of course, evolution on the World Wide Web is happening so fast that generalizations get out of date quickly, and even dodo birds get lucky sometimes.

The New York Times

The youth of this nation must not be without an idol and a pattern, and the old one may be getting out of date.

The New Yorker

In some respects, online advertising enjoys advantages over television advertising because in most cases online commercials cannot be skipped by viewers, and they can be easily swapped: a commercial for a movie opening on Friday that might get out of date if watched on a delayed basis on television can be replaced online with a more up-to-date commercial.

The New York Times

"But that is certainly one way of getting large scale innovative change, which we really do need; particularly where we have got services where the models are getting out of date, with frail older people, complex multiple problems, too much admission to hospital, institutionalisation and not very joined-up services in the community".

The Guardian

"Outstanding schools can quickly slip back, so this measure could undermine confidence in the system and mean parents only get out of date information".

BBC

Every time something changes, update all copies of your BCP, and never let it get out of date.

WikiHow

Just remember you don't have to take a giant step to get out of dating frustration.

Huffington Post

"It felt like my get-out-of-jail date," Merritt said.

The New York Times - Sports

If it gets corrupted or out-of-date, you may not be able to connect to certain sites.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing quickly evolving fields like technology or social media, use "got out of date" to emphasize how rapidly information or tools can become obsolete. For example: "Many of the tutorials for that software have "got out of date" due to frequent updates."

Common error

Avoid using "got out of date" when you specifically mean something is no longer fashionable. "Went out of style" is more appropriate for clothing, hairstyles, or design trends. "Got out of date" is better for factual information, software, or skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got out of date" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject has transitioned to a state of being outdated or no longer current. As Ludwig AI underlines, this commonly describes information, technology, or practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got out of date" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is no longer current, relevant, or accurate. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a neutral register and sees common use in news, media, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's important to differentiate its use from phrases like "went out of style", which focuses on aesthetics and trends. Consider using alternatives like "became outdated" for a more formal tone. Understanding these nuances will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became outdated

Highlights that something is no longer current or fashionable.

is no longer current

Directly states that something is not up-to-date.

lost its relevance

Emphasizes the decline in importance or applicability.

became obsolete

Focuses on the item no longer being produced or used.

became antiquated

Suggests something is old-fashioned and no longer suitable.

fell behind the times

Implies a failure to keep up with current trends or developments.

is archaic

Highlights that something is very old and no longer in common use.

is past its prime

Indicates something has reached its peak and is now declining.

is superannuated

Suggests something is retired or too old for its function.

is stale

Implies something is no longer fresh or interesting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "got out of date" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "became obsolete", "became outdated", or "lost its relevance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became out of date" instead of "got out of date"?

Yes, "became outdated" is a grammatically correct and often more formal alternative to "got out of date". Both phrases convey the same general meaning of something no longer being current or up-to-date.

When should I use "got out of date" versus "went out of style"?

"Got out of date" is best used when referring to information, technology, or skills that are no longer current or accurate. "Went out of style" is more appropriate for describing trends, fashion, or aesthetics that are no longer popular.

What's a synonym for "got out of date" that implies a failure to keep up with current developments?

A synonym that implies a failure to keep up is "fell behind the times". This suggests a more active sense of lagging in progress compared to simply becoming outdated.