What are the definitions of “stop out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be out late, especially when you are expected home.
Her parents were annoyed because she STOPPED OUT all night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stop out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stop out is to stay out late, especially when you are expected to be at home. It often implies that someone is out later than usual or later than they should be.
What are the different verb forms of “stop out”?
| Root Verb | stop out |
| Third Person Singular Present | stops out |
| Present Participle | stopping out |
| Simple Past | stopped out |
| Past Participle | stopped out |
Example
He always stops out when he goes to parties.
Example
She stops out every weekend, much to her parents' dismay.
Example
He is stopping out tonight with his friends.
Example
Last night, they stopped out until 3 a.m.
Example
She had stopped out many times before, but this time her parents were really upset.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stop 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
“stop 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
He stopped out all night.
Example
She stopped out until the early morning.
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
“stop 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
He stopped out all night.
Example
She stopped out until the early morning.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stop out”?
Good things to know
Does “stop out” have an informal or formal tone?
Stop out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'stay out late' or 'be out late'.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “stop out”?
Synonyms
- stay out late
- be out late
- remain out
Antonyms
- stay in
- be home
- come home early
- return early
