out of the loop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of the loop" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe somebody who is not well informed or who is excluded from a particular process. For example: "After moving to a new city, I felt like I was out of the loop when it came to the latest news about my old friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why is he out of the loop?" he asked.

The New York Times

You have made it clear that you are out of the loop, which ----. A. I am ofthef the loop.

The New York Times

I would just get too out of the loop.

BBC

And so, I'm always out of the loop on those things.

Huffington Post

Ignore PodPad and you run the risk of dropping out of the loop.

Huffington Post

They were out of the loop.

The New York Times

"We are out of the loop".

The New York Times

Madison was kept out of the loop.

The New Yorker

"They say he's out of the loop.

The New York Times

Here's one, entitled "Out of the Loop".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Elbonia mirrors Albania in seeming wildly out-of-the-loop.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of the loop" to concisely convey that someone lacks current information or is not involved in a particular activity or discussion. It is especially effective when emphasizing exclusion or a lack of awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "out of the loop" in formal or highly professional contexts where a more direct or specific explanation of the lack of information would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "uninformed" or "unaware" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "out of the loop" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a state of being uninformed or excluded from current information or activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of the loop" is a common and easily understood idiom that describes a state of being uninformed or excluded from current developments. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While generally acceptable, its informality means it should be used cautiously in professional or academic settings. To avoid being "out of the loop", actively seek information and maintain open communication. Consider alternatives like "uninformed" or "unaware" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the dark

This idiom means being kept uninformed about something.

not in the know

This is another idiomatic expression implying a lack of inside information.

uninformed

This alternative is more direct and simply means lacking knowledge or awareness.

unaware

This emphasizes a lack of consciousness or realization about something.

out of touch

This implies a disconnection from current realities or trends.

behind the times

This suggests being outdated or not up-to-date with current trends or information.

not privy to

This indicates not being allowed to know about something confidential or secret.

excluded

This suggests being deliberately left out of a group or discussion.

left behind

This indicates being overtaken by events or progress.

isolated

This emphasizes a sense of being cut off from information or contact.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "out of the loop"?

Being "out of the loop" means that you are not aware of the latest information or developments regarding a particular topic or situation. It suggests a lack of involvement or knowledge.

How can I avoid being "out of the loop"?

To avoid being "out of the loop", make an effort to stay informed by regularly checking relevant news sources, attending meetings, and communicating with colleagues or friends. Proactively seek information to remain updated.

What are some synonyms for "out of the loop"?

Similar phrases include "uninformed", "unaware", "not in the know", and "in the dark". These alternatives also convey a lack of knowledge or awareness.

Is it appropriate to use "out of the loop" in a formal setting?

While "out of the loop" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "uninformed" or "lacking awareness" to maintain a professional tone.