shout out

USAGE SUMMARY

"shout out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration or recognition for someone or something. For example, "A big shout out to my teammates for their hard work and dedication!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Shout out to Akon!

Independent

They should proudly shout out".

The Guardian

"Shout out to all the girls nominated.

The New Yorker

I wanted to shout out: "Not true!

The New York Times - Arts

Shout out if there's a sighting.

The New York Times

"They shout out: 'Police, don't move.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It's a shout-out".

The New York Times

But a shout-out from Ted Leo?

The New York Times

A (very small) shout-out for deer!

Cornell University

Shout-out to all brothers who attended!

Columbia University

Thanks for the shout-out, Cynthia!

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shout out" to give recognition or express appreciation in an informal and friendly way. It's suitable for social media, casual conversations, or acknowledging someone's efforts publicly.

Common error

Avoid using "shout out" in formal writing or professional settings where a more serious or respectful tone is required. Opt for phrases like "special thanks" or "acknowledgment" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shout out" is as an interjection or a verb. It's used to publicly acknowledge someone or something, often expressing admiration or gratitude. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shout out" is a versatile phrase primarily used to express acknowledgment, appreciation, or greetings in informal settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While widely accepted in casual contexts, it's best to avoid using "shout out" in formal writing, opting instead for more professional alternatives. Remember to use it to show appreciation and recognize the contributions of others in a friendly manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a shout-out to

Adding "give a" emphasizes the act of providing acknowledgment or recognition.

give props to

An informal expression of respect and recognition.

special mention to

Focuses on highlighting someone or something deserving of particular recognition.

tip my hat to

An expression of admiration or respect, often for an accomplishment.

acknowledge

A more formal way to recognize or give credit to someone.

recognize

A neutral term for acknowledging someone's contribution or presence.

extend appreciation to

Highlights gratitude and thanks towards someone.

commend

A formal way of expressing approval or praise.

send greetings to

Specifically refers to conveying regards or well wishes.

hail

A more formal and celebratory way to acknowledge someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "shout out" to publicly acknowledge or greet someone. For example, "I want to give a "shout out" to all the volunteers who helped make the event a success."

What's a more formal alternative to "shout out"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "special acknowledgment", "extend my gratitude", or "recognize the contributions of" instead of a "shout out".

When is it appropriate to use "shout out"?

"Shout out" is appropriate in informal settings, such as social media posts, casual conversations, or when you want to express appreciation in a friendly manner. It may not be suitable for formal or professional communications.

What's the difference between "shout out" and "call out"?

"Shout out" is generally used to express appreciation or acknowledgment, while "call out" typically means to criticize or publicly point out someone's mistake or wrongdoing. They have opposite connotations.