space out

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "space out" can be used in written English and is usually used to refer to when someone appears to be lost in thought or not paying attention.
For example, "I could tell he was spacing out so I asked him if he was okay".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's get some quick before you space out on me".

The New York Times

"Clear some space out so we could space out," Palaceer Lazaro raps on Shabazz Palaces' debut album, "Black Up" (Sub Pop), summing up the group's aesthetic.

The New York Times - Arts

One of us might space out and forget where we were.

The New York Times

"I imagine," Ms. Monson said, "that people will come and space out like they're on vacation".

The New York Times - Arts

"I hoped I wasn't going to space out," he said.

Los Angeles Times

It is better to space out drinking and do not mix alcohol.

WikiHow

Unless they specifically go together, wait and space out your posts.

WikiHow

"There's a lot more space out there.

The New York Times

There is a green space out front.

The Guardian

There's a lot of unused roof space out there.

The New York Times

As you might say Out of space, out of time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clarify which meaning of "space out" you intend: distributing items or losing focus.

Common error

Avoid using "space out" in contexts where the intended meaning isn't clear. Specify if you mean arranging items with gaps or losing focus to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "space out" functions primarily as a verb indicating either a distribution of items or a state of mental disengagement. Examples from Ludwig show both usages, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "space out" has two primary meanings: to distribute items at intervals and to lose focus or become distracted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and suggests it is commonly used, especially in news, media, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and register, opting for more formal alternatives like "distribute evenly" or "lose focus" in professional settings. Remember to clarify your intended meaning to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

zone out

This alternative emphasizes a state of mental detachment or disengagement.

tune out

This suggests a deliberate act of ignoring or not paying attention.

drift off

This conveys a gradual loss of focus or awareness, often implying a light sleep or daydreaming.

daydream

This implies a pleasant escape into one's thoughts.

lose focus

This directly states the inability to concentrate.

become distracted

Highlights the act of having one's attention drawn away.

distribute evenly

This refers to positioning objects or events with equal intervals.

scatter

Suggests a less organized distribution of items.

arrange with gaps

This conveys a deliberate creation of space between items.

mind wander

This describes a state where one's thoughts move aimlessly from one subject to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "space out" to mean either to distribute items at intervals, as in "Space out the chairs evenly", or to lose focus, as in "I tend to space out during long lectures".

What's a more formal way to say "space out" (lose focus)?

For formal contexts, instead of "space out", consider using phrases like "lose focus", "become distracted", or "daydream".

What does it mean to "space out" events?

To "space out" events means to schedule them with intervals or gaps in between, preventing them from occurring too closely together.

Is "space out" appropriate for professional communication?

While "space out" is common, it can be considered informal. In professional settings, using alternatives like "distribute evenly" (for physical spacing) or "lose focus" (for mental distraction) may be more suitable.