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Phrasal verbs "see off" vs "see out"

Differences between see off and see out

See off means to accompany someone to their departure point, usually a train station or airport. See out means to accompany someone to the exit of a building or a room.

Meanings and Definitions: see off vs see out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

See off

  • 1Chase somebody or something away.

    A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

  • 2Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

    I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

See out

  • 1Accompany a guest to your front door when they are leaving your house.

    Are you sure you're going? I'll get your coats and SEE you OUT.

Usage Examples: see off, see out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

see off

Example

I will see off my friend at the airport tomorrow.

Example

She sees off her husband at the train station every time he goes on a business trip.

see out

Example

I always see out my guests after a dinner party.

Example

She sees out her friends after they visit her.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of See off

bid farewell

To say goodbye to someone who is leaving.

Example

We all gathered at the airport to bid farewell to our friend who was moving to another country.

send off

To accompany someone to their departure point and say goodbye.

Example

I'll be there to send you off at the train station tomorrow morning.

escort to the gate

To accompany someone to the boarding gate at an airport.

Example

The airline staff escorted us to the gate and made sure we boarded the plane on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of See out

walk out with

To accompany someone to the exit of a building or a room.

Example

I'll walk out with you and make sure you find your way to the parking lot safely.

show to the door

To accompany someone to the door when they are leaving.

Example

After the meeting, I showed him to the door and thanked him for coming.

accompany to the elevator

To escort someone to the elevator when they are leaving a building.

Example

I'll accompany you to the elevator and catch up on the latest news before you go.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “see”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in see off vs see out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: see off or see out?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but see off is more common than see out. This is because seeing someone off is a more common occurrence than seeing someone out of a building or room.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of see off and see out

See off and see out are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of see off and see out

The tone of see off and see out can differ based on context. See off often carries a sentimental or emotional tone when saying goodbye to someone, while see out typically has a practical and courteous tone, especially when escorting someone to the door or exit.

see off & see out: Synonyms and Antonyms

See off

Synonyms

  • repel
  • bid farewell
  • say goodbye
  • send off
  • chase away
  • scare off

See out

Synonyms

Antonyms

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