sneaking out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sneaking out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of leaving a place secretly or quietly, often to avoid detection. Example: "After everyone had gone to bed, she decided that sneaking out to meet her friends was the only way to have some fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What about sneaking out at night?

The New York Times - Sports

"They'll be doing alcohol, they'll be sneaking out," she said of Tyler and her friends.

The New York Times

And all that sneaking out at night stuff would be impossible to do now anyway.

The New York Times - Sports

But in Brooklyn, it's three guys sneaking out for drinks on Atlantic Avenue.

The New York Times

Tattoos, often showily visible in performance, can barely be seen sneaking out from cuffs.

The Guardian - Books

"Charles got in trouble because he kept sneaking out his camera," Gibney says with a laugh.

The Guardian - Film

It felt so demeaning – the sneaking out before dawn, feeling I couldn't tell anyone.

The Guardian

"He said that the only reason worth sneaking out was to violate curfew," Billick said.

The New York Times - Sports

An eerie night silence is sneaking out from all its corners.

The New Yorker

Like a Mormon dinner party, it offers no wine or espresso, and good luck sneaking out for a cigarette.

The New York Times - Books

Might they be sneaking out a bit early?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sneaking out" in your writing, consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of secrecy and potential disobedience or rule-breaking. For instance, it's suitable for describing a teenager leaving home without permission or someone avoiding a meeting.

Common error

Avoid using "sneaking out" in situations where a discreet departure is acceptable or expected. Opt for a more neutral term like "leaving quietly" if there's no element of wrongdoing or secrecy involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sneaking out" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of leaving secretly, typically to avoid detection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sneaking out" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to describe leaving a place or situation secretly, often to avoid detection or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely recognized and used. While the act itself often carries a negative connotation, its usage is versatile across different contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and informal conversations. Alternatives such as "slipping away" or "quietly exiting" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended level of secrecy and potential rule-breaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sneaking away

A close synonym, highlighting the act of leaving secretly.

slipping away

Focuses on leaving quietly and subtly, often to avoid being noticed.

discreetly leaving

Focuses on maintaining privacy and avoiding attention while leaving.

creeping out

Emphasizes a slow, cautious, and often stealthy movement.

escaping unnoticed

Highlights the success in leaving without being detected.

stealing away

Implies leaving discreetly, as if taking something that isn't yours.

fleeing silently

Emphasizes the quiet and often hurried nature of the departure, suggesting urgency or fear.

tiptoeing out

Highlights the quietness of the departure, often on one's toes.

quietly exiting

Emphasizes the lack of noise during the departure.

absconding

Implies a more secretive and potentially illicit departure.

FAQs

What does "sneaking out" mean?

"Sneaking out" refers to the act of leaving a place quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed or to do something that is not allowed.

How to use "sneaking out" in a sentence?

You can use "sneaking out" in a sentence like, "The teenager was caught "sneaking out" late at night to meet friends."

What are some alternatives to "sneaking out"?

Alternatives to "sneaking out" include "slipping away", "sneaking away", or "quietly exiting", depending on the specific context.

Is "sneaking out" always associated with negative actions?

Yes, "sneaking out" usually implies a secretive departure that might involve disobedience or breaking rules. However, the severity of the action depends on the context.