heading out

USAGE SUMMARY

"heading out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate that someone is leaving a place. For example, "We're heading out soon, so grab your coat and let's go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But we're heading out!

The New York Times

"I'm heading out".

The New Yorker

But the tide had shifted and was heading out fast.

The New Yorker

Heading out to Chatham to see some pals?

The New York Times

He did admit he is heading out on a low.

Independent

Heading out to see some fireworks on Monday?

The New Yorker

They were heading out instead to the suburbs — the suburbs!

The New York Times

Cameras showed club directors heading out, breathing through hankies.

The Guardian - Sport

Am fine and heading out," said Bowen on Twitter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Music heading 'out of this world' [ESA.int] via vnunet.com.

TechCrunch

I'm heading out of the woods.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heading out" to indicate a casual departure from a place. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "departing" or "exiting".

Common error

Avoid using "heading out" in formal or academic writing. It's generally more appropriate for informal communication or journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heading out" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a present participle acting as part of a continuous verb construction. It indicates the action of leaving a place is currently in progress or about to begin, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heading out" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to indicate departure. According to Ludwig, it's versatile, fitting in informal chats and news reports alike. Though it’s mainly informal, you'll find it even in media outlets. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "departing" or "exiting" to maintain a professional tone. The key is to match your word choice to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving

Simple synonym indicating departure.

departing

More formal synonym for leaving.

setting off

Implies the start of a journey.

going out

Similar, but can also mean going out for social activities.

making tracks

Informal way of saying someone is leaving.

taking off

Suggests a quick or sudden departure.

on my way

Indicates that someone is in the process of travelling to a destination.

exiting

A more formal term for leaving a place.

moving out

Suggests leaving a residence or dwelling.

clearing out

Implies removing oneself and belongings from a place.

FAQs

How to use "heading out" in a sentence?

You can use "heading out" to describe leaving a place. For example, "I'm heading out to the store" or "Are you heading out now?"

What can I say instead of "heading out"?

You can use alternatives like "leaving", "departing", or "setting off" depending on the context.

Is "heading out" formal or informal?

"Heading out" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "departing" or "exiting".

What's the difference between "heading out" and "going out"?

"Heading out" generally implies leaving a specific place, while "going out" often refers to going out for social activities or entertainment. For example, "I'm heading out to the grocery store" versus "I'm going out with friends tonight."