Help center

Phrasal verbs "butt in" vs "butt out"

Differences between butt in and butt out

Butt in means to interrupt or join a conversation or activity without being invited or welcomed, while butt out means to leave a conversation or activity that one is not wanted or needed in.

Meanings and Definitions: butt in vs butt out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Butt in

  • 1Interrupt.

    I hope you don't mind me BUTTING IN on your conversation, but I couldn't help hearing what you said...

Butt out

  • 1Not be involved in other people's business.

    This is none of your business, so just BUTT OUT!

Usage Examples: butt in, butt out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

butt in

Example

Please don't butt in while I'm talking.

Example

He always butts in when we're discussing something important.

butt out

Example

I wish she would butt out of my personal life.

Example

He always butts out when he realizes he's not wanted in the conversation.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Butt in

interrupt

To stop someone from speaking or doing something by saying or doing something oneself.

Example

Please don't interrupt me while I'm talking to our boss.

chime in

To join a conversation or discussion, especially when one was not invited or expected to do so.

Example

He always chimes in with his opinion, even when no one asked for it.

cut in

To interrupt someone who is speaking or doing something, especially by taking their place or doing it instead.

Example

She cut in and started dancing with him, even though he was already dancing with someone else.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Butt out

mind one's own business

To not interfere in other people's affairs or activities.

Example

I wish he would mind his own business and stop asking me personal questions.

stay out of it

To avoid getting involved in a situation or conversation that does not concern oneself.

Example

I told him to stay out of it because it was none of his business.

back off

To stop interfering or trying to control a situation or person.

Example

I had to tell him to back off and let me handle the situation on my own.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “butt”

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Differences in butt in vs butt out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: butt in or butt out?

In daily conversation, people use butt in more often than butt out. This is because butt in is used to describe a behavior that is more common and noticeable in social situations. Butt out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we want to tell someone to leave us alone. So, while both phrases are used, butt in is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of butt in and butt out

Butt in and butt 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 butt in and butt out

The tone of butt in and butt out can differ based on context. Butt in often carries a negative or annoyed tone when related to interrupting or joining a conversation or activity without permission, while butt out typically has a defensive or assertive tone, especially when referring to leaving a conversation or activity that one is not wanted or needed in.

butt in & butt out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Butt out

Synonyms

  • mind your own business
  • stay out
  • keep out
  • don't interfere
  • leave alone
  • stop meddling

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!