Differences between break out and take out
Break out usually means to escape from a place or situation, often suddenly and forcefully, whereas take out generally means to remove something from a place or to go somewhere with someone and enjoy a social activity.
Meanings and Definitions: break out vs take out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Break out
- 1Start ( war, conflict ).
They're worried that war will BREAK OUT.
Take out
- 1Borrow a library book.
I TOOK OUT all the books I needed for my essay from the library.
- 2Borrow money from a bank or other official lender.
Jackie and Anil TOOK OUT a mortgage to buy a bigger flat.
- 3Extract or remove.
The dentist TOOK OUT all of my wisdom teeth before they started causing any problems.
- 4Go out socially with someone, especially a date.
He TOOK her OUT to a restaurant last Friday night.
- 5Obtain insurance.
I TOOK OUT some health insurance before I went backpacking around Latin America.
- 6Kill, murder.
The gang TOOK him OUT after he spoke to the police.
Usage Examples: break out, take out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
break out
Example
They're worried that war will break out.
Example
When a fire breaks out, it's important to stay calm and evacuate the building.
take out
Example
I always take out the trash after dinner.
Example
She takes out the garbage every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Break out
To get away from a place or situation where one is being held or confined.
Example
The prisoners managed to escape from the high-security prison by digging a tunnel.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take out
To take something away from a place or position.
Example
He removed the old wallpaper from the wall to prepare for the new one.
To remove something by pulling or cutting it out.
Example
The dentist had to extract the decayed tooth to prevent further damage.
pick up
To collect or take something from a place or person.
Example
She picked up her dry cleaning on the way home from work.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “break”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Differences in break out vs take out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: break out or take out?
In daily conversation, people use take out more often than break out. This is because take out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as eating out or borrowing something. Break out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about escaping from a place or situation. So, while both phrases are used, take out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of break out and take out
Take out and break out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of break out and take out
The tone of take out and break out can differ based on context. Take out typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to removing objects or ordering food. On the other hand, break out often carries a sense of urgency or excitement when related to escaping or breaking free from something.
