Phrasal verbs "eat in" vs "eat out"

Differences between eat in and eat out

Eat in means to have a meal at home or in a place where food is prepared, while eat out means to have a meal at a restaurant or any other place outside the home.

Meanings and Definitions: eat in vs eat out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Eat in

• 1. Eat at home.

  We didn't feel like going to a restaurant so we ATE IN.

Eat out

• 1. Eat in a restaurant.

  We couldn't be bothered to cook so we ATE OUT last night.

Usage Examples: eat in, eat out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

eat in

Example

We usually eat in on weekdays because it's more convenient.

Example

She eats in most of the time to save money.

eat out

Example

We usually eat out on weekends.

Example

She eats out with her friends every Friday.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Eat in

cook at home

To prepare a meal at home.

Example

I'm going to cook at home tonight because I don't feel like going out.

have a home-cooked meal

To eat a meal that is prepared at home.

Example

I love having a home-cooked meal because it's healthier and more affordable than eating out.

dine at home

To have a meal at home, especially a formal or special one.

Example

We decided to dine at home for our anniversary and cooked a fancy meal together.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Eat out

dine out

To have a meal at a restaurant or any other place outside the home.

Example

Let's dine out tonight and try that new Italian restaurant in town.

go out to eat

To have a meal at a restaurant or any other place outside the home.

Example

We usually go out to eat on weekends because we like to explore new restaurants.

grab a bite

To quickly eat a small amount of food, usually outside the home.

Example

I'm going to grab a bite at the food truck before the concert starts.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “eat”

• eat up
• eat away
• eat out
• eat into

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

• kick in
• write in
• send in
• blow in
• contract in

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• stop out
• churn out
• wiggle out
• chicken out
• burn out

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

Frequency in Daily Use: eat in or eat out?

Both eat in and eat out are commonly used in daily conversation. However, eat out is more frequently used than eat in because people often prefer to dine out with friends and family or order takeout instead of cooking at home.

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

Both eat in and eat out are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family. However, if you're in a formal setting, it's better to use more formal expressions like 'dine at home' or 'have a meal at a restaurant'.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of eat in and eat out

The tone of eat in is usually casual and relaxed, while the tone of eat out can be more upbeat and social. When using eat in, the focus is on the comfort of being at home, while eat out emphasizes the experience of dining out.

eat in & eat out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Eat in

Synonyms

• dine in
• dine at home
• have a meal at home
• cook at home

Antonyms

• eat out
• dine out
• order takeout
• go to a restaurant

Eat out

Synonyms

• dine out
• have a meal out
• go out for a meal
• go out to eat

Antonyms

• eat in
• dine in
• cook at home
• stay in