out of the action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of the action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not currently participating in an activity or event. Example: "After the injury, he was out of the action for several weeks, missing important games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can't stand being out of the action," he said.

The New York Times

And it's not as big a risk for you as completely pulling out of the action for some years.

The Guardian - Money

Three angels flit in and out of the action.

The New York Times - Arts

Kerry hates being cut out of the action.

The New Yorker

Dysart's upstanding character was not left out of the action.

Independent

(She jumps in and out of the action at will).

The New Yorker

"[Songs have] to come out of the action.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Otherwise they are cut out of the action".

The New York Times

On Monday, he floated in and out of the action, deferring often to Williams.

The New York Times - Sports

Where is he now?" "He's out of the action," Herb said.

The New Yorker

Now, once again, the US is being cut out of the action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of the action" to describe a temporary state of non-participation, whether due to injury, choice, or circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "out of the action" when describing a permanent or irreversible situation. Opt for phrases like "permanently retired" or "completely removed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of the action" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of absence or exclusion from an ongoing activity or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

General

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of the action" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of non-participation or exclusion from an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and readily usable. It is frequently used in news, sports, and general contexts to indicate a temporary absence or inability to participate. Alternatives include "not participating" or "sidelined". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects a temporary rather than a permanent condition. The phrase's versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not participating

Focuses on the lack of involvement.

not involved

A general term for lacking participation or inclusion.

sidelined

Suggests being temporarily excluded, often due to injury or other reasons.

on the sidelines

Similar to "sidelined", but can also refer to someone who is observing rather than participating.

taken out of the game

Similar to "removed from play", often used in sports contexts.

out of commission

Implies being temporarily unusable or non-functional.

inactive

Emphasizes a state of not being active or engaged.

removed from play

Specifically indicates being taken out of a game or competition.

excluded

Highlights being deliberately left out.

non-operational

Suggests something is not functioning or available for use.

FAQs

What does "out of the action" mean?

The phrase "out of the action" generally means not currently participating or involved in a particular activity, event, or situation. It often implies a temporary state of exclusion.

What can I say instead of "out of the action"?

You can use alternatives like "not participating", "sidelined", or "inactive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is "out of the action"?

Yes, it's a correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone or something that is not currently involved or participating in an activity or event.

How to use "out of the action" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "After the injury, he was "out of the action" for several weeks, missing important games."