What are the definitions of “book out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a place in a hurry.
I don't like the look of the people arriving- let's BOOK OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “book out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb book out is to leave a place quickly or in a hurry. It is often used when someone wants to avoid a situation or leave before something happens.
What are the different verb forms of “book out”?
| Root Verb | book out |
| Third Person Singular Present | books out |
| Present Participle | booking out |
| Simple Past | booked out |
| Past Participle | booked out |
Example
When the party got too loud, we decided to book out.
Example
She books out of the office as soon as the clock hits 5 pm.
Example
They are booking out of the restaurant because they saw their ex.
Example
He booked out of the meeting when he realized he was in the wrong room.
Example
We had booked out of the party before the police arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “book out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“book out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
When the fire alarm went off, everyone booked out of the building.
Example
As soon as the rain started, we booked out of the park.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“book out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
When the fire alarm went off, everyone booked out of the building.
Example
As soon as the rain started, we booked out of the park.
Good things to know
Does “book out” have an informal or formal tone?
Book out is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. Instead, more formal synonyms such as 'depart' or 'leave' can be used.
