What does the phrasal verb “eat out” mean?

What are the definitions of “eat out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Eat in a restaurant.

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

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “eat out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb eat out is to have a meal at a restaurant or any place other than your home. It usually implies going out to enjoy food prepared by someone else.

What are the different verb forms of “eat out”?

Root Verb	eat out
Third Person Singular Present	eats out
Present Participle	eating out
Simple Past	ate out
Past Participle	eaten out

Example

We usually eat out on weekends.

Example

She eats out with her friends every Friday.

Example

They are eating out at a new restaurant tonight.

Example

We ate out at a fancy restaurant for our anniversary.

Example

I have eaten out at that sushi place many times.

What kind of phrasal verb is “eat out”?

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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

“eat 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

We ate out at a local café.

Example

They eat out every weekend.

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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

“eat 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

We ate out at a local café.

Example

They eat out every weekend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “eat out”?

Eating out

The act of having a meal at a restaurant or any place other than your home.

Example

We enjoy eating out and trying new restaurants in the city.

Eat out of house and home

To consume a large amount of someone's food, often used humorously.

Example

My teenage son and his friends ate us out of house and home during their sleepover.

Eat out of someone's hand

To be easily controlled or manipulated by someone.

Example

She has him eating out of her hand; he does whatever she wants.

Good things to know

Does “eat out” have an informal or formal tone?

Eat out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional discussions, depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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