stepping out

USAGE SUMMARY

"stepping out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to physically leaving a place or exiting a situation. You can also use it figuratively to refer to taking an action or making a decision. For example: She decided to take a risk and stepped out of her comfort zone.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's just stepping out, he's not rushing".

The New York Times - Arts

Vonnie is stepping out with someone else.

The New Yorker

Stepping out with an impressive new pram?

The Guardian - Opinion

"You're stepping out, and I'm stepping in".

The New York Times - Arts

Stepping out from the shadow of her Cabinet colleagues?

Independent

Tanya keeps stepping out to smoke roll-ups.

The Guardian

"We're prepared and excited to be stepping out".

The New York Times - Arts

Was Eastwood's final flourish worth stepping out for?

The Guardian - Film

It's like Bobby stepping out of the shower in Dallas.

The Guardian - Tech

The sense is of stepping out over a brink.

The New York Times - Arts

So no stepping out is needed.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stepping out" when you want to convey the idea of leaving a place, situation, or one's comfort zone, often implying a sense of initiative or courage.

Common error

Avoid using "stepping out" solely for physical departures; it can also imply taking initiative or making a bold move. Ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stepping out" is as a phrasal verb, often acting as the predicate in a sentence. It combines the verb 'step' with the particle 'out' to create a new meaning, indicating either a physical departure or a figurative move, Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stepping out" is a versatile phrase commonly used to describe both physical departures and figurative actions. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it appears frequently in news and media, with examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register and carries connotations of initiative and movement. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure the context clarifies whether you intend a literal or figurative meaning. Related phrases include "going out" and "leaving", while stepping out of one's comfort zone suggests challenging personal boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going out

Focuses more on the act of leaving a place for social or recreational purposes.

leaving

A more general term for departing or exiting a location or situation.

exiting

Implies a more formal or structured departure from a place or situation.

venturing forth

Suggests a more adventurous or exploratory departure.

emerging

Indicates coming out of something, like a hidden or obscured state.

debuting

Specifically refers to making a first appearance or introduction.

breaking free

Emphasizes escaping from restrictions or limitations.

taking the plunge

Highlights the act of committing to something risky or uncertain.

making an appearance

Focuses on the act of showing up, especially in a public setting.

getting some air

Implies briefly leaving a place, often to relax or clear one's head.

FAQs

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

You can use "stepping out" to describe physically leaving a place, as in "She was stepping out for a quick errand". It can also mean taking initiative, like "He is stepping out of his comfort zone to try new things".

What are some alternatives to "stepping out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "going out", "leaving", or "exiting". In a figurative sense, consider phrases like "taking the plunge" or "venturing forth".

Is "stepping out" formal or informal?

"Stepping out" is generally considered a neutral to informal phrase. While it can be used in news articles, it may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.

What does "stepping out of my comfort zone" mean?

"Stepping out of my comfort zone" means pushing yourself to do something that makes you nervous or uncomfortable. It involves trying new things and facing challenges, which can lead to personal growth.