What are the definitions of “sally forth”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave somewhere safe or comfortable.
The townspeople SALLIED FORTH to fight the invading army.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sally forth”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sally forth is to leave a safe or comfortable place, usually to face a challenge or engage in an activity. It often implies courage or determination.
What are the different verb forms of “sally forth”?
| Root Verb | sally forth |
| Third Person Singular Present | sallies forth |
| Present Participle | sallying forth |
| Simple Past | sallied forth |
| Past Participle | sallied forth |
Example
The brave knight sallied forth to face the dragon.
Example
She sallies forth every morning to face the day with enthusiasm.
Example
The adventurers were sallying forth into the unknown wilderness.
Example
The soldiers sallied forth from the castle to confront the enemy.
Example
The hero had sallied forth to save the village from danger.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sally forth”?
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
“sally forth” 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
The explorers sallied forth into the jungle.
Example
The team sallied forth to tackle the difficult project.
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
“sally forth” 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
The explorers sallied forth into the jungle.
Example
The team sallied forth to tackle the difficult project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sally forth”?
Sally forth* in literature
This phrasal verb is often used in literature, especially in historical or adventure stories, to describe characters leaving a safe place to face challenges or embark on a journey.
Example
In the novel, the protagonist sallied forth to seek his fortune in a distant land.
Sally forth* in a metaphorical sense
Sometimes, *sally forth* can be used metaphorically to describe someone leaving their comfort zone or facing a personal challenge.
Example
After years of hesitation, she finally sallied forth to pursue her dream of becoming an artist.
Good things to know
Does “sally forth” have an informal or formal tone?
Sally forth is considered a somewhat formal and old-fashioned phrasal verb. It is more commonly used in literature, historical contexts, or when trying to evoke a sense of adventure or bravery. In everyday conversation, more modern and informal alternatives like 'set out' or 'venture out' are typically used.
