sit out

USAGE SUMMARY

"sit out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean to abstain from something or to skip an activity. For example: "I decided to sit out the game this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wasn't going to sit out".

The New York Times - Sports

They just sit out in the air.

Cornell University

He wouldn't sit out against the Devils; he wouldn't sit out against Philadelphia.

The New York Times

RUSSIA DID not sit out 2018.

The Washington Post

People will sit out all evening.

The New York Times

She didn't like to sit out front.

The New York Times

Should I sit out a couple games?

The New York Times - Sports

He could have to sit out longer.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone wants to sit out there".

The New York Times

"Or we can sit out back.

The New Yorker

The educated often sit out elections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sit out" to clearly indicate a deliberate decision not to participate in an activity, game, or event. This is particularly useful in contexts where participation is expected or typical.

Common error

Avoid using "sit out" interchangeably with phrases like "sit around" or "sit back". "Sit out" specifically means to abstain from participating, while the others have different meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sit out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It indicates the act of choosing not to participate in a particular activity or event. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from sports to social gatherings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

21%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sit out" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate abstaining from an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media. While versatile, it is important to differentiate its meaning from similar phrasal verbs. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both casual and professional communication, although alternative phrases may be preferred in highly formal settings. Remember to use "sit out" to clearly convey non-participation and avoid confusion with similar expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from participating

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to abstain from involvement.

abstain from taking part

Highlights the act of formally withholding oneself from an activity.

take a break

Suggests a temporary pause or respite from an ongoing activity.

decline to participate

Focuses on the act of refusing to be involved in something.

opt out

Implies making a choice not to be included in a group or activity.

bow out

Suggests a graceful withdrawal from a commitment or situation.

hold back

Highlights the act of restraining oneself from joining in.

stay on the sidelines

Emphasizes observing from a distance without engaging.

pass on the opportunity

Indicates a decision not to seize a particular chance or offer.

take a rain check

Suggests postponing participation to a later time.

FAQs

How to use "sit out" in a sentence?

You can use "sit out" to describe abstaining from an activity, like in the sentence, "I decided to "sit out" the game because I wasn't feeling well."

What can I say instead of "sit out"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from participating", "decline to participate", or "opt out" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sit out" or "sitting out"?

"Sit out" is the base form, while "sitting out" is the present participle. For example, "I will "sit out" this round" versus "She is "sitting out" because of an injury."

What's the difference between "sit out" and "sit this one out"?

"Sit out" is a general term for abstaining, while "sit this one out" specifically refers to abstaining from a particular instance of an activity. The latter is more informal.