Differences between go back and go out
Go back usually means to return to a previous place or time, whereas go out generally means to leave one's home or current location for social or recreational purposes.
Meanings and Definitions: go back vs go out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Go back
- 1Have a long history.
He and I GO BACK a long way- we were at school together.
- 2Return to, start doing something again.
We WENT BACK to work after the break.
Go out
- 1Stop burning, be extinguished.
The candle WENT OUT and left us in darkness.
- 2Leave a place.
He WENT OUT last night.
- 3Go on strike.
The workers WENT OUT for more money.
- 4Become infashionable.
That sort of the WENT OUT last year.
- 5Move backwards, of a tide.
The tide GOES OUT in the evening.
- 6Be eliminated in a competition.
England WENT OUT in the second round.
- 7Be transmitted.
The item WENT OUT on the news yesterday.
- 8Be sent.
The newsletter WENT OUT last night.
- 9Intend.
I didn't GO OUT to offend them.
Usage Examples: go back, go out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go back
Example
After the vacation, we had to go back to school.
Example
She goes back to her hometown every summer.
go out
Example
I usually go out with my friends on weekends.
Example
She goes out for a walk every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go back
To go back and experience something again, usually a place or memory.
Example
She decided to revisit her favorite childhood park and relive some happy memories.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go out
head out
To leave one's home or current location for a specific destination or purpose.
Example
We're going to head out to the beach this weekend for some fun in the sun.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “back”
Differences in go back vs go out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go back or go out?
In daily conversation, people use go out more often than go back. This is because go out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as going to work, school, or social events. Go back is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about returning to a previous place or time. So, while both phrases are used, go out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go back and go out
Go back and go 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 go back and go out
The tone of go back and go out can differ based on context. Go back often carries a nostalgic or reflective tone when related to returning to a previous place or time, while go out typically has a social and recreational tone, especially when referring to leaving one's home for entertainment or leisure activities.
