it went out

USAGE SUMMARY

'it went out' is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is extinguished, such as a light or fire, or when an idea, feeling, or emotion ceases to exist. For example: "The candle flickered a few times before it went out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What if it went out?

The New York Times

"It went out, then".

The New Yorker

It went out at 2pm.

The Guardian

Signed with great fanfare, it went out with a whimper.

Columbia University

It went out to Ronaldo on the right wing.

The New Yorker

Last time it went out, I [had] changed a diaper.

The Guardian - Sport

"It went out live to the whole state," I said.

The Guardian - Opinion

It went out at 10.35pm on a Sunday.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lampard miscontrolled and it went out for a throw-in.

The Guardian - Sport

The bellwether of British industry, and the man who symbolised it, went out together.

The Economist

It went out wide to Edinson Cavani while Suarez timed his run on Jagielka's blindside.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it went out" to describe a broadcast, ensure the context clarifies whether you mean it was transmitted (went out live) or discontinued (went off the air).

Common error

Avoid using "it went out" in contexts where a more precise term is needed. For example, instead of saying "the agreement went out", specify "the agreement expired" or "was terminated" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went out" functions as a statement indicating the cessation of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and frequent usage. The examples from Ludwig show "it went out" referring to a range of situations, from a light being extinguished to a broadcast being aired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it went out" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the cessation or termination of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently used in News & Media and Academia. The phrase's neutrality makes it appropriate for various communication contexts, although clarity is essential to prevent ambiguity. Remember to consider whether a more precise term could enhance understanding. With high usage frequency, as supported by examples from authoritative sources, "it went out" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ceased functioning

Emphasizes the termination of operation or functionality.

it became extinguished

Specifically refers to the act of being put out, like a flame or light.

it disappeared

Indicates a vanishing or ceasing to be visible or present.

it faded away

Suggests a gradual decline or disappearance.

it petered out

Implies a gradual decrease in strength or activity before stopping completely.

it ran out

Indicates the depletion of a resource or supply.

it expired

Formally indicates the end of validity or function.

it concluded

Suggests a formal ending or termination.

it was terminated

Indicates a formal or abrupt ending.

it shut down

Specifically implies the ceasing of operation, especially in a mechanical or digital context.

FAQs

How can I use "it went out" in a sentence?

You can use "it went out" to describe something that has been extinguished, such as "The fire "went out"." It can also describe when something was broadcasted, as in, "It went out live to the whole state".

What does "it went out" mean?

"It went out" can have different meanings depending on the context. It commonly means something stopped functioning, like a light, or that something was broadcast, as in on the radio or television.

Which is correct, "it went out" or "it goes out"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different tenses. "It went out" is in the past tense, while "it goes out" is in the present tense. For example, "The power "it went out" last night", versus, "The power "it goes out" frequently during storms".

What are some synonyms for "it went out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it ceased functioning", "it became extinguished", or "it disappeared".