was out

USAGE SUMMARY

"was out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate past tense, or to indicate that something is no longer available. For example: "The store was out of the book I wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He was out".

The New York Times - Magazine

Bicycling was out, too.

The New Yorker

The tide was out.

The New Yorker

I was out cold.

The New Yorker

His tongue was out.

Independent

She was out cold".

The New York Times

Denham was out again.

The New York Times

Mark was out earlier.

The New Yorker

I was out celebrating.

The New York Times

"It was out there".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was out-muscled.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was out" to indicate unavailability, consider specifying the reason for clarity. For example, instead of "The book was out", say "The book was out of stock".

Common error

Avoid using "was out" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead of "The information was out", try "The information became public" for a more direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was out" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective or noun phrase that describes a state or condition. Ludwig confirms this through its numerous examples, demonstrating its versatility in conveying states of absence, unavailability, or unconsciousness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was out" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate absence, unavailability, or a state of being unconscious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reason for the absence or unavailability. While its register is generally neutral, avoiding overuse in passive voice can strengthen your writing. Remember to use "was out" for singular subjects and "were out" for plural subjects for grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was gone

Highlights a state of having departed or disappeared.

was absent

Indicates a state of being away or not present.

had left

Implies a completed action of departing.

was not present

Focuses on the lack of physical presence.

was not available

Emphasizes the lack of accessibility or readiness.

was released

Implies liberation or making something available.

was eliminated

Suggests removal or disqualification from a situation.

was discharged

Indicates release or dismissal from a duty or position.

was revealed

Focuses on the act of making something known.

was disclosed

Highlights the act of uncovering or making something public.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was out" can indicate several meanings, such as being away from a place, being unconscious, or something being unavailable. For example, "He was out of the office", "She was out cold", or "The tickets were out of stock".

What can I say instead of "was out" when referring to someone's absence?

Alternatives to "was out" when referring to someone's absence include "was absent", "was not present", or "was away" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "were out" instead of "was out"?

Use "were out" when referring to plural subjects (e.g., "The lights were out"). Use "was out" with singular subjects (e.g., "The power was out").

What's the difference between "was out" and "had left"?

"Was out" generally indicates a temporary absence or state, while "had left" implies a completed departure. For example, "He was out for lunch" suggests a temporary absence, whereas "He had left the company" implies a permanent departure.