they cleared out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they cleared out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people left a place quickly or completely, often implying that they left in a hurry or without much notice. Example: "After the fire alarm went off, they cleared out of the building in just a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They cleared out a lot of rebounds, and blocked or deflected 15 shots from going through to Moran.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the Palestinians anticipated retaliatory attacks, and they cleared out predictable target sites, and schools and offices closed early.

The New York Times

They cleared out their lockers and scattered for the summer, an early departure for the second season in a row.

The New York Times - Sports

They cleared out thousands of pounds of rubble, repaired the roof, replaced broken water pipes and lighted the rooms with pirated electricity.

The New York Times

The manuscript was found by Fraser's three children when they cleared out their parents' home following the death of their mother.

The Guardian - Books

The players were somber, as expected, as they cleared out their lockers for an off-season that came too soon for them.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

There's a surge, but they clear out fast".

The New York Times

Should they clear out their son's room or preserve it intact?

The New York Times

In July, on their behalf, Rose Associates, the complex's property manager, began sending letters to tenants requesting that they clear out their stuff.

The New Yorker

So he electronically monitors their activities as they clear out, and is ready to disable their passwords instantly if he senses they are about to erase company files.

The New York Times

This way while everyone else is busy you'll be getting refueled, and as soon as they clear out, you'll be right back in the action.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they cleared out" to describe a group's swift and often complete departure from a location, especially when emphasizing the emptiness that remains.

Common error

While both phrases indicate departure, "they cleared out" often implies a more complete or hurried exit, suggesting the location is now empty or significantly less populated. Avoid using it when a simple departure is meant without the emphasis on the resulting emptiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they cleared out" functions as a verb phrase indicating a group's complete or rapid departure from a place. It often implies the resulting emptiness of the location. Ludwig provides numerous examples that illustrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they cleared out" is a common phrase indicating a group's complete or rapid departure from a location, often emphasizing the emptiness that remains. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts, though primarily found in news and media sources. When writing, be mindful of the nuance that this phrase carries – a thorough or hurried exit – to ensure accurate conveyance of the intended meaning. Alternatives like "they evacuated" or "they left quickly" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they evacuated the area

Focuses on a planned or emergency departure for safety reasons.

they left quickly

Emphasizes the speed of departure, but doesn't necessarily imply a complete emptying of the place.

they departed swiftly

Similar to "left quickly" but with a more formal tone.

they vacated the premises

A formal way to say they left, often used in legal or official contexts.

they abandoned the location

Suggests a hurried or forced departure, often leaving something behind.

they withdrew from the site

Implies a strategic or organized departure, often in a military or political context.

they emptied the space

Focuses on the result of their departure – the space is now empty.

they moved out

Suggests a permanent relocation from a dwelling or building.

they disappeared from view

Emphasizes the suddenness and completeness of their departure.

they vanished

Implies a mysterious or unexplained disappearance.

FAQs

What does "they cleared out" mean?

"They cleared out" means that a group of people left a place quickly and completely, often implying that the place is now empty or significantly less populated.

When is it appropriate to use "they cleared out" in a sentence?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a group not only left, but also that their departure resulted in the location being empty or much less crowded. For example, "After the announcement, "they cleared out" of the building."

What can I say instead of "they cleared out"?

You can use alternatives like "they evacuated the area", "they left quickly", or "they vacated the premises" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "they left" and "they cleared out"?

"They left" is a general statement about departure. "They cleared out" suggests a more thorough and often rapid departure, leaving the location empty or sparsely populated.