take him outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take him outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being asked to go outdoors, often for a discussion, confrontation, or to remove them from a situation. Example: "The argument was getting heated, so I decided it was best to take him outside to cool off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We didn't take him outside," McGuffey said.

The Guardian

"My mother will take him outside, but it's still, like, okayyyyy.

The New York Times - Health

"I think if your child is freaking out, you have to take him outside," said Fred Herrmann, father of a 9-year-old boy and vice president of operations for kid-friendly local chain Ted's Bulletin.

The Washington Post

Mr. Codey, who happened to be at the station for his own broadcast, retaliated by -- depending on whom you ask -- telling Mr. Carton that he would either like to "take him out" or "take him outside".

The New York Times

"My mother will take him outside, but it's still, like, okayyyyy.... .. Suzanne Ripley, who has two sons with cerebral palsy, says that a child's disability can embarrass parents, too, but that embarrassment can be more acute for siblings, especially those in the throes of adolescent conformity.

The New York Times - Health

Here's the other thing: I'm embarrassed to take him outside because he looks like an idiot.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I took him outside and had him throw balls underhand down the practice range.

The New York Times - Sports

Houston took him outside and inside, bringing about a changing of the guard in the East.

The New York Times - Sports

When they took him outside and put him in the ground, I began a nightmare that lasted a lifetime".

The New York Times

He actually gets caught out by the receiver's stem, which takes him outside toward the numbers.

The Washington Post

"He said, 'I'm tough and I'm not going for no one.' And I took him outside and I made him listen to the roar, and I said, 'Dudley!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take him outside" to address behavioral issues with children or pets, ensure the outdoor environment is conducive to calming down, rather than escalating the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "take him outside" when the intended meaning is to exclude someone from a conversation or activity, as this can be ambiguous. Instead, specify the reason or the intended duration of the absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take him outside" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase, directing someone to perform the action of moving a male person to an outdoor location. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take him outside" is a versatile and commonly used imperative, primarily functioning to instruct someone to move a male individual to an outdoor location. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While generally acceptable, be mindful of the specific context and consider more formal alternatives like "escort him out" if needed. When using "take him outside", ensure clarity and specify the reason for going outside, especially when addressing behavioral issues. Always ensure that the environment is conducive to the desired outcome. Considering the analysis of this phrase, is used across a variety of sources and contexts, and is suitable for use in most cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring him out

Focuses on the act of causing someone to exit.

escort him out

Implies a more formal or supervised departure.

lead him outdoors

Suggests gentle guidance to an outside area.

walk him out

Implies accompanying someone on foot to the exterior.

usher him out

Implies directing someone out, often with a sense of purpose.

help him go outside

Focuses on assisting someone to exit.

move him to the exterior

More formal and less common way of saying the same thing.

transfer him outside

Suggests a more deliberate or planned relocation.

get him some fresh air

Highlights the reason for going outside.

accompany him outdoors

Formal way to suggest going outside together.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take him outside" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "escort him out" or "accompany him outdoors", which imply a supervised or guided exit.

Is "take him outside" appropriate for all contexts?

While generally acceptable, "take him outside" might be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. In such cases, use more precise language to clarify the intent of the action.

When is it better to use "bring him outside" instead of "take him outside"?

"Bring him outside" is preferable when the speaker is already located outside and wants someone else to move the person in question to their location. "Take him outside" is used when the speaker and the person are in the same location and will move to an outside area together.

What are common situations where you might "take him outside"?

Common scenarios include when a child is upset and needs a change of scenery, when a dog needs to relieve itself, or when someone needs a private conversation away from others.