What does the phrasal verb “shoot out” mean?

What are the definitions of “shoot out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Go out for a short time.

  I'm SHOOTING OUT to the shops for a paper.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shoot out is to go out for a short time, usually to run a quick errand or complete a task. For example, it can mean going to the store to buy something or stepping outside to get some fresh air.

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

Root Verb	shoot out
Third Person Singular Present	shoots out
Present Participle	shooting out
Simple Past	shot out
Past Participle	shot out

Example

I need to shoot out to the store for some milk.

Example

He shoots out to the post office during his lunch break.

Example

She is shooting out to grab a coffee before the meeting starts.

Example

Yesterday, they shot out to buy some snacks for the party.

Example

He had shot out to pick up some flowers for his wife.

What kind of phrasal verb is “shoot 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

“shoot 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

I shot out to the store for some milk.

Example

She shot out to grab a coffee before the meeting.

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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

“shoot 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

I shot out to the store for some milk.

Example

She shot out to grab a coffee before the meeting.

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

Shoot out a message

Send a quick message or email to someone.

Example

I'll shoot out a message to the team about the schedule change.

Shoot out of the gate

Start quickly or with great energy.

Example

The team shot out of the gate with a strong performance in the first quarter.

Shoot out the lights

Perform exceptionally well, especially in a sports context.

Example

The basketball player shot out the lights, scoring 40 points in the game.

Good things to know

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

Shoot out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for formal settings or written communication. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'step out' or 'go out briefly' can be used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “shoot out”?

Synonyms

• step out
• go out briefly
• pop out
• dash out
• run out
• head out

Antonyms

• remain
• linger
• wait
• rest
• relax
• stay in