out to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an intention or effort to reach or achieve something, often in a context of trying to connect with someone or something. Example: "She reached out to her old friend to reconnect after many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boobs out to here.

The New Yorker

"Shout out to Akon!

Independent

out to the field.

The New York Times

Out to California, probably.

The New Yorker

Reach out to recruiters.

The New York Times

People go out to work.

The Economist

"We're going out to Washington".

The New Yorker

We go out to dinner.

The New Yorker

She reached out to him.

The New York Times

Martine went out to celebrate.

The New York Times - Sports

It turned out to be.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out to" to clearly express intentions, particularly when those intentions involve pursuing a specific goal or objective. For example, "The company is "out to" dominate the market" clearly conveys an ambitious goal.

Common error

Avoid using "out to" when describing physical movement if there is no implied intention or goal. Instead of saying "He went "out to" the store" (which implies he has a specific purpose), use "He went to the store" if you simply mean he went there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating intention or purpose. It modifies a verb, specifying the aim or goal of an action. Ludwig AI provides examples where "out to" is used to express a determined effort to achieve something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express intention or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse sources. While versatile, be mindful of its slightly informal tone and avoid misinterpreting it as a mere directional phrase. Consider alternatives like "intending to" or "aiming to" for more formal contexts. The most frequent use is in News & Media. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "out to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intending to

Replaces "out to" with a more direct expression of intention.

aiming to

Similar to "out to", but emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the action.

seeking to

Emphasizes the act of searching or striving to achieve a specific outcome.

planning to

Highlights the planning aspect of the intended action.

trying to

Indicates an attempt or effort to accomplish something.

endeavoring to

A more formal alternative to "out to", suggesting a determined effort.

headed towards

Indicates movement or direction toward a physical location or a goal.

going towards

Similar to "headed towards", emphasizing the action of moving in a direction.

reaching for

Suggests an attempt to grasp or attain something, either physically or metaphorically.

striving for

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in pursuing a particular objective.

FAQs

How can I use "out to" in a sentence?

The phrase "out to" is used to indicate an intention or purpose. For example, "They are "out to" win the championship" means they intend to win.

What can I say instead of "out to"?

You can use alternatives like "intending to", "aiming to", or "seeking to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "out to get" or "out to getting"?

"Out to get" is the correct form. It follows the structure "out to + verb". "Out to getting" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "out to" and "intending to"?

While both express intention, "out to" often implies a more active or determined pursuit. "Intending to" is a more general statement of intention. For example, saying someone is "intending to" learn a language is less forceful than saying they are "out to" master it.