Phrasal verbs "move out" vs "step out"

Differences between move out and step out

Move out generally means to leave a place or residence, while step out usually means to briefly leave a place or situation.

Meanings and Definitions: move out vs step out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Move out

  • 1Leave a place you live or work in.

    She's tired of living there and is MOVING OUT.

  • 2Remove.

    The president said they would MOVE the troops OUT next year.

  • 3Change lane or position to pass a vehicle.

    IMOVED OUT to overtake the bus.

Step out

  • 1Leave a place for a very short time.

    They've STEPPED OUT for a cigarette.

Usage Examples: move out, step out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

move out

Example

I plan to move out of my apartment next month.

Example

She moves out of her parents' house tomorrow.

step out

Example

I need to step out for a minute to make a phone call.

Example

She steps out every afternoon to grab a coffee.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Move out

To move to a new location or residence.

Example

After graduation, she decided to relocate to a different city for a job opportunity.

To leave a place or residence, usually permanently.

Example

The tenants were asked to vacate the apartment by the end of the month due to renovations.

To leave a place or situation, usually for a long period of time.

Example

He had to depart for his business trip early in the morning, so he packed his bags the night before.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Step out

To briefly stop doing something to rest or relax.

Example

She decided to take a break from studying and went for a walk outside to clear her mind.

To briefly leave a situation or conversation.

Example

He needed to step away from the meeting to take an important phone call.

To briefly leave a place or situation, usually for a short period of time.

Example

I'm just going to pop out to grab some coffee, I'll be back in a few minutes.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “step”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in move out vs step out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: move out or step out?

In daily conversation, people use move out more often than step out. This is because move out is used when someone is leaving their home or apartment, which is a common occurrence. Step out is less common and usually used in specific situations, such as stepping out of a meeting or stepping out for a quick break.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of move out and step out

Move out and step out are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, step out can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts to indicate taking a brief break from a meeting or presentation.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of move out and step out

The tone of move out and step out can differ based on context. Move out can carry a sense of finality or sadness when referring to leaving a home or apartment, while step out typically has a casual and nonchalant tone, especially when referring to taking a quick break or leaving a situation temporarily.

move out & step out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Move out

Synonyms

Step out

Synonyms

  • leave briefly
  • go out
  • exit momentarily
  • pop out
  • slip out
  • duck out

Antonyms

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