sat out for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sat out for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has chosen not to participate in an event or activity for a specific duration or reason. Example: "She decided to sat out for the first half of the game to rest her ankle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That unit sat out for three minutes as the subs tried bringing the intensity back to the Blue Devils.

The New York Times - Sports

The one where Britain entered a war not to fight an evil dictator, but to protect its allies and interests on the continent; where America sat out for two years as fascism grew popular within its own borders, only joining when Japan forced its hand; where the horror of the holocaust was known to Allied leadership, but not acted on, long before Russia liberated Auschwitz.

The Guardian - Tech

"Given so much stimulus package discussion in January, some would-be buyers simply sat out for clarity and certainty on the nature of housing stimulus," the report stated.

Forbes

He sat out for the first time since June 22.

The New York Times - Sports

I could have sat out for three years.

The New York Times - Sports

Belfour, meanwhile, sat out for an entirely different reason.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Shape your Zainab's fingers and let them sit out for 15 to 30 minutes.

WikiHow

Do not let the meat sit out for too long, or it will spoil.

WikiHow

"It must have sat out there for a year".

The New Yorker

Justin Tuck (back tightness) sat out practice for precautionary reasons, Coach Tom Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

On Feb. 26, in a home game against George Washington, Terrell sat out waiting for a ruling.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an athlete's absence from a game or competition, use "sat out for" to clearly indicate a temporary absence, often due to injury, rest, or tactical reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "sat out for" when you mean to describe simply sitting somewhere; the phrase specifically implies a deliberate choice of non-participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sat out for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a temporary absence or non-participation in an activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The examples show its use in describing someone's absence, often in sports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sat out for" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a temporary absence from an activity, often with an implied reason such as injury or rest. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in news and media, particularly in sports reporting. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context regarding the reason and duration of the absence. Consider alternatives like ""was sidelined for"" or "took a break from" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was sidelined for

Commonly used in sports, indicating temporary removal from play due to injury or other reasons.

was out for

A simpler, more direct way of saying someone was not available.

missed due to

Focuses on the reason for absence, often implying an obligation or scheduled event.

was absent for

Emphasizes the state of being away or not present during a period.

took leave for

Suggests an approved absence, usually from work or duty.

withdrew from

Indicates a formal decision to remove oneself from an activity or commitment.

rested for

Implies a deliberate decision to not participate for the purpose of recovery.

took a break from

Highlights the temporary nature of the absence, suggesting a pause or interruption.

remained inactive for

Highlights a period of non-participation or inactivity.

did not participate in

A general phrase indicating non-involvement in an activity or event.

FAQs

How can I use "sat out for" in a sentence?

You can use "sat out for" to describe someone's absence from an activity or event, usually due to a specific reason. For example, "The player "was sidelined for" the game due to an injury" or "She "took leave for" a week to recover".

What is a synonym for "sat out for"?

Alternatives to "sat out for" include "was absent for", "missed due to", or "took a break from", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sat out for" in formal writing?

While "sat out for" is generally acceptable, in very formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "remained inactive for" or "did not participate in" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between "sat out for" and "sat out during"?

While both phrases indicate absence, "sat out for" often specifies a duration or reason, whereas "sat out during" typically refers to a specific period or event. For instance, "He sat out for two weeks" versus "He sat out during the second half".