reverse out

USAGE SUMMARY

“reverse out” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a driving maneuver in which a car or other vehicle backs up in reverse out of an area or space, such as a parking spot. For example: “I had to reverse out of the tight parking spot.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I've since made plenty of mistakes, started down many dead ends, but always realised in time to reverse out before too much harm was done.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But watch out for the seals – they don't like it!" We reverse out and turn north to Bempton, where the jagged rock face is salted with the white shapes of around 22,000 gannets – a tenth of the total bird population at this time of year.

The Guardian - Travel

The driver tries to reverse out.

The Guardian

We reverse out of the cave and into the midnight sea where the sky is now dark enough to allow the phytoplankton a chance.

The Guardian - Travel

"Pugh once described coming up with ideas for cartoons as like driving: you keep going down cul-de-sacs, and the trick is being able to reverse out.

The Guardian - Arts

On the corner of Varick and King Streets in SoHo, a sport-utility vehicle was struggling to reverse out of a metered spot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

On a technical basis, the group's first half results should also benefit from the additional four selling days, which reverses out in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Guardian - Business

But that seems to have reversed out now, with Mr. Obama's numbers in daily and weekly trackers a point or so stronger than they were last week.

The New York Times

I certainly don't want my video to be "reversed out".

TechCrunch

One of them is reversing out those reserves into income, as actual expenses might be less than the estimated charge.

Forbes

If you believe the Washington Post my favorite newspaper, actually then you may be alarmed by its warning that video looks "reversed out in dark areas, creating a very distracting negative effect".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, be specific about the need to "reverse out", especially in tight spaces or complex maneuvers. Use landmarks and clear instructions to aid the driver.

Common error

While "reverse out" is acceptable for literal driving scenarios, avoid using it excessively in metaphorical contexts where simpler terms like "withdraw" or "recede" might be clearer and more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Reverse out functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI indicates it's used to describe the action of moving a vehicle backward. This usage is supported by numerous examples in the provided data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reverse out" is a phrasal verb primarily used to describe the action of backing a vehicle from a space. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and understandable. Its usage is most frequent in news articles and general informational contexts, as illustrated by the examples from The Guardian and The New York Times. While "reverse out" is primarily literal, it can also be used metaphorically to describe withdrawing from a plan or commitment. When writing, it's essential to use "reverse out" precisely, especially when giving directions, and avoid overusing it in figurative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back out

This alternative focuses on the action of backing a vehicle, similar to "reverse out".

back up

This alternative is a general term for moving backwards, and can be used to describe a vehicle's movement.

drive in reverse

This alternative specifically mentions the action and direction of driving, making it explicit.

pull out backwards

This alternative emphasizes the action of pulling out while moving backward.

withdraw

This alternative is used more broadly to describe stepping away from a commitment, agreement, or position.

retreat

This alternative suggests a strategic withdrawal from a difficult situation.

backtrack

This alternative emphasizes retracing one's steps, literally or figuratively.

recede

This alternative indicates a gradual movement backward or away.

step back

This alternative suggests disengaging from a situation.

pull back

This alternative suggests withdrawing or reducing involvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "reverse out" to describe maneuvering a vehicle backward, as in "I had to carefully "reverse out" of the parking space because it was very narrow."

What does "reverse out" mean?

"Reverse out" refers to backing up a vehicle from a parking spot or other confined space. It can also be used metaphorically to describe withdrawing from a plan or commitment.

What are some alternatives to "reverse out"?

Alternatives to "reverse out" include "back out", "pull out backwards", or "withdraw", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "back out" or "reverse out"?

Both "back out" and "reverse out" are acceptable and often interchangeable when referring to a vehicle. "Reverse out" might emphasize the controlled nature of the maneuver.