Differences between break out and check out
Break out usually means to escape from a place or situation, while check out generally means to investigate or examine something or to leave a place.
Meanings and Definitions: break out vs check out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Break out
- 1Start ( war, conflict ).
They're worried that war will BREAK OUT.
Check out
- 1Pay the bill when leaving a hotel.
She CHECKED OUT and took a cab to the airport.
- 2Die.
She CHECKED OUT last week; the funeral's tomorrow.
- 3Get information about or inspect something to see if it's satisfactory.
I CHECKED the new restaurant OUT as soon as it opened.
Usage Examples: break out, check out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
break out
Example
They're worried that war will break out.
Example
When a fire breaks out, it's important to stay calm and evacuate the building.
check out
Example
I need to check out of the hotel by 11 am.
Example
She checks out of the hotel early in the morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Break out
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Check out
To travel through or visit a place in order to learn more about it.
Example
They decided to explore the city and discover new restaurants, museums, and parks.
To carefully examine something in order to check its condition or quality.
Example
The mechanic had to inspect the car's engine to find the source of the problem and fix it.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “break”
Phrasal Verbs with “check”
- check off
- check on
- check by
- check into
- check over
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in break out vs check out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: break out or check out?
In daily conversation, people use check out more often than break out. This is because check out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as shopping or exploring a new place. Break out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about escaping from a place or situation. So, while both phrases are used, check out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of break out and check out
Break out and check out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of break out and check out
The tone of break out and check out can differ based on context. Break out often carries a sense of urgency or danger when related to escaping from a place or situation, while check out typically has a curious or investigative tone, especially when referring to exploring a new place or examining something.
