we went outside

USAGE SUMMARY

"we went outside" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a recent event or action. For example, "Yesterday, we went outside to enjoy the sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

'We went outside and saw the fire.

The Guardian

"We went outside and people were lying there dead".

The New York Times

Later, we went outside again, into the huge night.

The New Yorker

We went outside so he could smoke a cigarillo.

The New Yorker

We went outside and got into Riccio's car.

The New Yorker

When we went outside, pieces were falling down on us".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We go outside again.

The New Yorker

"Will we go outside?" one boy interrupts.

The New York Times

We go outside and it's a new world.

The New York Times

We're using these skills, but then we go outside and we see terrible things.

University of California, Berkeley

As she writes: … we go outside and he melts down on the street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the purpose of going outside. If the reason is important, add that information to the phrase, such as: "We went outside to get some fresh air" or "We went outside to see what was happening".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "we went outside" repeatedly in formal writing can sound simplistic. Consider alternatives such as "we exited the building" or "we proceeded to the exterior" to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we went outside" primarily functions as a statement of action, indicating a movement from an interior space to an exterior one. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we went outside" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the act of moving from an indoor location to an outdoor one. As noted by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, including narratives, news reports, and casual conversations. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain writing styles. The phrase is widely understood and serves as a simple, direct way to convey a change of location. Its frequent use in news and media highlights its commonness in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we stepped out

A more casual way to say "we went outside", implying a brief or quick movement.

we headed outdoors

Suggests a direction or intention to go outside.

we exited the building

Emphasizes the act of leaving a building, focusing on the exit itself.

we moved outdoors

Focuses on the change of location to an outdoor setting.

we proceeded outside

More formal and suggests a deliberate or planned movement.

we ventured out

Implies a sense of risk or exploration in going outside.

we left the premises

A formal way of saying "we went outside", focusing on leaving a specific location.

we got some fresh air

Highlights the reason for going outside, focusing on the benefit of fresh air.

we adjourned outside

Implies a temporary relocation, often from a meeting or gathering.

we sought the open air

A more poetic way of saying "we went outside", emphasizing the desire for open space.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "we went outside"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "we stepped out", "we exited the building", or "we headed outdoors".

How can I make the phrase "we went outside" more descriptive?

Add details about the reason for going outside or the environment you encountered. For example, "We went outside to enjoy the sunset" or "We went outside and were greeted by a cool breeze".

Is it appropriate to use "we went outside" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it might sound too informal for certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "we proceeded outside" or "we ventured out" for a more sophisticated tone.

Can "we went outside" be used in scientific writing?

In most scientific writing, it is better to avoid using "we". Rather, you can use passive constructions or state the actions without referring to the actor, i.e.: "The sample was exposed to external condition".