walk out

USAGE SUMMARY

'walk out' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express leaving a place abruptly or to express quitting something. Example sentence: She had enough of the argument and decided to walk out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She didn't walk out.

The New York Times

"Why not just walk out?

The New York Times

People would just walk out".

The New York Times - Arts

"I walk out".

The New York Times - Arts

At this point, you walk out.

Independent

"You could just walk out," Fletcher says.

Independent

Will Rogers walk out on Tuld?

The New Yorker

Or just walk out and feign ignorance?

The New York Times

Not every school had students walk out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The walk-out will last 48 hours.

Independent

Walk out the door.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strike or labor action, "walk out" effectively conveys the act of employees leaving their jobs collectively to express grievances.

Common error

Avoid using "walk out" when a simple departure is intended. For casual situations, use alternatives like "leave", "exit", or "depart" to avoid implying protest or dissatisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "walk out" is that of an intransitive phrasal verb. It combines the verb "walk" with the particle "out" to create a distinct meaning related to leaving or departing, often abruptly or demonstratively. This aligns with Ludwig's recognition of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "walk out" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe leaving a place or situation, often with an implication of protest or dissatisfaction. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid misusing it for simple departures. Remember that "walk out" typically suggests more than just leaving; it conveys a sense of action, disagreement, or abandonment. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "walk out" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave abruptly

Focuses on the suddenness of the departure.

storm out

Emphasizes anger or frustration during departure.

withdraw from

Suggests a more formal or planned departure.

abandon the scene

Implies leaving a place or situation completely.

quit in protest

Highlights the act of resigning as a form of disagreement.

down tools

Describes stopping work, especially as a form of strike.

absent oneself

A more formal way of saying to not be present.

make an exit

Focuses on the act of leaving or departing.

take one's leave

A polite and somewhat formal way to depart.

retire from

Suggests a permanent withdrawal or departure, often from a career or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "walk out" to describe someone leaving a meeting abruptly, like in the sentence "He got angry and decided to "walk out"."

What does it mean to "walk out" on someone?

To ""walk out"" on someone means to abandon them, especially during a difficult time. It implies a lack of support or commitment.

What can I say instead of "walk out"?

Alternatives include "leave abruptly", "storm out", or "withdraw from", depending on the context.

Is "walk out" the same as "walk out on"?

No, ""walk out"" generally means to leave a place or situation, while "walk out on" implies abandoning a person or responsibility.