spin out

USAGE SUMMARY

"spin out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to an event or situation that takes an unusually long time to come to an end. For example, "The meeting spun out for hours before finally coming to a close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Businesses spin out of there.

The New York Times

He doesn't spin out one-liners.

The New York Times

"Planets occasionally spin out," he said.

The New York Times

"I immediately spin out," Welch said.

The New Yorker

Great!" and spin out like Vegas showgirls.

The New York Times

Statistics spin out of him about sustainability.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Alicia spun out.

The New Yorker

Blaney spun out.

The New York Times - Sports

"The situation was spinning out of control.

The New York Times

When Saracen spun out of control.

The New York Times - Sports

"I totally spun out," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spin out" to describe a situation, be clear whether you mean to prolong something intentionally, or whether something is escalating unexpectedly and negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "spin out" when you simply mean to extend a deadline or expand on an idea; reserve it for situations where there's an element of unexpected or negative development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spin out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It can describe the act of prolonging something or, more commonly, losing control. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "spin out" is a versatile expression primarily used to convey two distinct meanings: either to prolong something in time or to describe a situation spiraling out of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Science, and with sources from reputable publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, its usage is diverse and context-dependent. To ensure clarity, be mindful of the intended meaning, whether it's the extension of time or the loss of control, to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose control

Directly addresses the state of being unable to manage or direct something.

go out of control

Emphasizes the loss of control aspect, common in several "spin out" usages.

get out of hand

Similar to "go out of control", implying a situation is becoming unmanageable.

prolong

Similar to extend, but more specifically refers to making something last longer.

extend

Focuses on lengthening in time or scope, lacking the potential negative connotation of losing control.

elongate

Highlights the action of making something longer.

derail

Implies a sudden deviation from an intended course, similar to losing control.

emanate

Describes something issuing or spreading out from a source.

branch off

Indicates a divergence or separation from a main path.

arise

Refers to something coming into being or emerging, without the negative implication of spinning.

FAQs

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

You can use "spin out" to describe something that is prolonged longer than expected, as in, "The meeting "spun out" for hours". It can also mean something is escalating out of control, for example, "Things "spun out of control" quickly".

What's a similar phrase to "spin out" that indicates something is losing control?

Alternatives to "spin out" when referring to losing control include phrases like "get out of hand" or "go out of control". These options emphasize the lack of management or direction.

Is "spin out" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "spin out" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or news contexts where describing extended timelines or loss of control is necessary. However, consider "prolong" or "extend" for a more neutral tone when simply indicating duration.

How does "spin out" differ from "extend" or "prolong"?

"Spin out" often implies a negative connotation of something becoming uncontrolled or unexpectedly long, whereas "extend" and "prolong" are more neutral and simply refer to making something last longer.