What are the definitions of “sneak out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Depart furtively.
Although the thieves tried to SNEAK OUT after dark, we were ready for them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sneak out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sneak out is to leave a place quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed or caught. For example, it can mean leaving a party without telling anyone, or a teenager leaving their house at night without their parents knowing.
What are the different verb forms of “sneak out”?
| Root Verb | sneak out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sneaks out |
| Present Participle | sneaking out |
| Simple Past | sneaked out |
| Past Participle | sneaked out |
Example
She always sneaks out of the office early on Fridays.
Example
He sneaks out of the house when his parents are asleep.
Example
They are sneaking out of the meeting to avoid being seen.
Example
Last night, she sneaked out to meet her friends.
Example
He had sneaked out of the room before anyone noticed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sneak 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
“sneak 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
She sneaked out of the party without saying goodbye.
Example
The cat sneaked out through the open window.
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
“sneak 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
She sneaked out of the party without saying goodbye.
Example
The cat sneaked out through the open window.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sneak out”?
Good things to know
Does “sneak out” have an informal or formal tone?
Sneak out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'depart discreetly' or 'leave surreptitiously' may be more appropriate.
