opt out

USAGE SUMMARY

"opt out" is correct and is used often in written English.
You can use it when referring to an option or a decision to not take part in something. For example: "I decided to opt out of the group project because I didn't think it was a good use of my time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Opt out!

The New York Times

You can opt out".

The New York Times - Travel

5. Want to opt out?

The New York Times

He can "opt out".

The New York Times - Tech

To opt out permanently, go to www.optoutprescreen.com.

The New York Times

What if they could just opt out?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The opt-out remains.

The Economist

There's no opt-out.

The Guardian - Tech

Britain has an opt-out.

The Guardian

Opt-out   2b.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Repeat: No opt-out.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opt out", clearly state what the subject is opting out of to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Users can opt out of data collection."

Common error

Avoid using "opt out" interchangeably with terms like "withdraw" or "decline" without considering the specific context. "Opt out" often implies a pre-existing enrollment or inclusion that is being reversed, while other terms may simply indicate a refusal to join initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opt out" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of choosing not to participate in something. Ludwig provides many examples where "opt out" is used to describe a deliberate decision to withdraw from a pre-existing option or arrangement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opt out" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe choosing not to participate in something, often after being automatically enrolled or initially included. As Ludwig confirms, "opt out" is widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and general information. While synonyms like "withdraw" or "decline" exist, "opt out" specifically implies reversing a previous state of inclusion. When using "opt out", ensure clarity by specifying what is being opted out of. Its usage spans neutral to professional registers, making it a versatile choice for expressing non-participation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to participate

Highlights the refusal to take part in an event or activity.

choose to withdraw

Focuses on the act of withdrawing from a commitment or activity.

opt for exclusion

Highlights the choice of being excluded from something.

elect to abstain

Emphasizes a formal or conscious decision to refrain from participation.

remove oneself

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical act of distancing oneself from a situation.

take a pass

An informal way of saying no to an invitation or opportunity.

beg off

An informal way of declining an invitation or obligation.

bow out

Suggests a graceful or formal exit from a situation.

step aside

Focuses on the act of relinquishing a position or role.

recuse oneself

Implies a formal withdrawal due to a conflict of interest.

FAQs

How do I use "opt out" in a sentence?

You can use "opt out" to describe choosing not to participate in something. For example, "Employees can "opt out" of the company's health insurance plan".

What's a synonym for "opt out"?

Alternatives to "opt out" include "decline to participate", "withdraw", or "choose to abstain", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "opt out" and "opt in"?

"Opt out" means to choose to not participate after being automatically enrolled or initially included, while "opt in" means to actively choose to participate.

Is it better to "opt out" or "opt in"?

Whether it's better to "opt out" or "opt in" depends on individual preferences and the specific situation. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of participating before making a decision.