What are the definitions of “walk out on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave somebody angrily.
He WALKED OUT ON his wife last year.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “walk out on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb walk out on is to leave someone angrily or suddenly, often in the middle of a difficult situation or without warning. This can refer to leaving a relationship, a job, or any other commitment.
What are the different verb forms of “walk out on”?
| Root Verb | walk out on |
| Third Person Singular Present | walks out on |
| Present Participle | walking out on |
| Simple Past | walked out on |
| Past Participle | walked out on |
Example
She threatened to walk out on him if he didn't change his behavior.
Example
He walks out on meetings when he gets frustrated.
Example
She is walking out on her job because of the poor working conditions.
Example
He walked out on his wife last year.
Example
She had walked out on her family when they needed her the most.
What kind of phrasal verb is “walk out on”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“walk out on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She walked out on her husband.
Example
He walked out on his job.
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 on” 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 walked out on her husband.
Example
He walked out on his job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “walk out on”?
Walk out on a performance
Leave a theater, concert, or other performance before it is finished, often as a sign of disapproval or dissatisfaction.
Example
The audience was so disappointed that they walked out on the play during intermission.
Good things to know
Does “walk out on” have an informal or formal tone?
Walk out on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in some situations, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal synonym, such as 'abandon' or 'leave behind'.
