What does the phrasal verb “stay out” mean?

What are the definitions of “stay out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Not go home.

  We STAYED OUT all night.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stay out is to not go home or not return to a place, usually for an extended period of time. It often implies spending time outside or away from one's usual location.

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

Root Verb	stay out
Third Person Singular Present	stays out
Present Participle	staying out
Simple Past	stayed out
Past Participle	stayed out

Example

I like to stay out late on weekends.

Example

She stays out with her friends every Friday night.

Example

He is staying out late tonight to watch the meteor shower.

Example

We stayed out all night at the concert.

Example

They had stayed out too late and missed the last bus home.

What kind of phrasal verb is “stay 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

“stay 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

The cat stayed out all night.

Example

He stayed out until the sun came up.

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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

“stay 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

The cat stayed out all night.

Example

He stayed out until the sun came up.

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

Stay out of trouble

To avoid situations or actions that could cause problems or difficulties.

Example

He promised his parents he would stay out of trouble while they were away.

Stay out of someone's way

To avoid interfering with someone or causing them inconvenience.

Example

I tried to stay out of the way while the movers were carrying the furniture.

Stay out of something

To not get involved in a situation or discussion.

Example

I prefer to stay out of political debates.

Good things to know

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

Stay 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, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

• remain outside
• not return
• not go home
• spend time away

Antonyms

• return
• go home
• come back
• stay in