What are the definitions of “walk out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave work because of a dispute with the management.
The workers WALKED OUT because the felt that safety wasn't being handled correctly.
- 2Leave a place angrily or because you are not satisfied.
The film was a bore so I WALKED OUT halfway through.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “walk out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb walk out is to leave a place, often because of dissatisfaction or anger. It can be used to describe leaving a job, a meeting, or even a social event due to disagreement or disappointment.
What are the different verb forms of “walk out”?
| Root Verb | walk out |
| Third Person Singular Present | walks out |
| Present Participle | walking out |
| Simple Past | walked out |
| Past Participle | walked out |
Example
She decided to walk out of the meeting because she felt disrespected.
Example
He walks out of the room whenever they start arguing.
Example
They are walking out of the store because they couldn't find what they wanted.
Example
Yesterday, she walked out of the job interview because the interviewer was rude.
Example
He had walked out of the party after a disagreement with his friend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “walk 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
“walk 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 employees walked out in protest.
Example
She walked out of the room angrily.
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
“walk 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 employees walked out in protest.
Example
She walked out of the room angrily.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “walk out”?
A strike or protest in which workers leave their workplace as a sign of disagreement or dissatisfaction with management.
Example
The employees staged a walkout to demand better working conditions.
Good things to know
Does “walk out” have an informal or formal tone?
Walk out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, such as discussing workplace disputes or expressing dissatisfaction in a professional setting.
