to be outside

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be outside' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you need to express the idea of being in an outdoor location or in the open air. For example, "After being stuck in my office all day, I finally got to be outside and enjoy the sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

People like to be outside".

The New York Times

"I think he just likes to be outside".

The New York Times

"It was so peaceful and calming to be outside".

The New York Times

Children with more opportunities to be outside, in a safe, well-designed space, were more likely to be outside, romping.

The New York Times

"People still want to be outside," he said.

The New York Times

So, take every chance to be outside during the day.

The Guardian

I wanted to be outside, making work on the hop".

The Guardian - Arts

"I just really wanted to be outside playing".

The New York Times

"It's a status thing to be outside," he said.

The New York Times

He needs to be outside playing with his friends".

The New York Times

"We don't often get a chance to be outside".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be outside" to emphasize a desire or need to experience the natural environment, as opposed to being confined indoors.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "outside". For example, it is incorrect to say "to be at outside"; the correct form is "to be outside".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be outside" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express a desire, intention, or general state of being in an outdoor environment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

26%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be outside" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express a desire, need, or intention to experience the outdoors. Ludwig AI validates its frequent appearance in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While suitable for various registers, it particularly thrives in neutral contexts and often communicates a preference for freedom, relaxation, or connection with nature. When using "to be outside", be mindful of prepositional errors and contextual appropriateness to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being outdoors

Focuses on the state of being in an outdoor environment.

in the open air

Highlights the location of an action or object.

spending time outdoors

Emphasizes the act of dedicating time to outdoor activities.

out in nature

Suggests being surrounded by natural elements and wildlife.

enjoying the open air

Highlights the pleasure derived from being in an outdoor setting with fresh air.

under the sky

Emphasizes being directly exposed to the elements.

venturing outdoors

Suggests a sense of exploration or courage in going outside.

taking in the scenery

Focuses on appreciating the visual aspects of the outdoor environment.

roaming free

Implies unrestricted movement and exploration in an outdoor setting.

al fresco

Refers to activities, particularly dining, that take place outdoors.

FAQs

How can I use "to be outside" in a sentence?

You can use "to be outside" to express a desire or a need to experience the outdoors. For example, "After working all day, I just want "to be outside" and enjoy the fresh air".

What is the difference between "to be outside" and "being outside"?

"To be outside" is an infinitive phrase that expresses a general intention or possibility, whereas "being outside" is a gerund phrase that describes an ongoing state or activity. For example, "I love "to be outside"" expresses a general preference, while "I enjoy "being outside"" describes an activity you find pleasurable.

What can I say instead of "to be outside"?

You can use alternatives like "being outdoors", "spending time outdoors", or "enjoying the open air depending on the context".

Is it always correct to use "to be outside"?

Yes, "to be outside" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. However, ensure that it fits the context of your sentence and conveys the intended meaning clearly. For example, it's suitable for expressing a desire, need, or general preference for being in an outdoor environment.