Are you confused about when to use ‘outside’ or ‘outside of’?
If so, you’re not alone! Many people are uncertain about the difference between these two words.
But don’t worry—this article will explain exactly how and when to use each one. We’ll go over examples for both words, as well as some common mistakes to watch out for.
With this information, you’ll be able to make sure that your writing is precise, accurate, and clear.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- ‘Outside’ describes something not part of a larger structure, while ‘outside of’ implies a specific boundary or limit to the outside area.
- ‘Outside’ is used as a preposition or adverb describing placement in relation to a boundary or limit, while ‘outside of’ is used before nouns and pronouns to express exclusivity or separateness from something.
- When referring to physical locations, use ‘outside’ instead of ‘outside of’.
- Use ‘outside of’ when speaking about concepts or non-physical objects, and be cautious when using it in idiomatic expressions such as ‘think outside the box’.
Reasons for the Different Uses of ‘Outside’ and ‘Outside Of’
You may be wondering why ‘outside’ and ‘outside of’ are used differently in certain contexts. The two terms have different uses because they express slightly different concepts or ideas.
‘Outside’ is typically used to describe something that is not part of a larger structure, while ‘outside of’ implies a specific boundary or limit to the outside area.
For example, if you said ‘The bird was chirping outside,’ this would mean the bird was chirping somewhere without regard to a particular boundary, such as in your yard. However, if you said ‘The bird was chirping outside of the house,’ this would indicate that the bird was chirping somewhere beyond the boundaries of your house but close enough to still hear it from indoors.
Similarly, if you said ‘I’m going outside for some fresh air’ it might mean anywhere outdoors whereas saying ‘I’m going out side of town’ implies traveling farther away than where you currently are located.
Examples of ‘Outside’ in Sentences
Y’all need to stay outta this one – it’s none of your business.
‘Outside’ and ‘outside of’ have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. To illustrate, let’s look at a few examples.
If you said, ‘I’m going outside,’ that means you’re heading outdoors. Alternatively, if you said, ‘I’m going outside of town,’ that implies that you plan to travel beyond the boundaries of the area in which you live.
Additionally, if someone told you they were on the outside looking in, they would be expressing that they are excluded from an event or situation.
Finally, if you mentioned something being outside of your control it would suggest it is something that cannot be managed by yourself.
As these examples show, understanding when to use each phrase makes all the difference!
Examples of ‘Outside Of’ in Sentences
Understanding when to use ‘outside of’ in a sentence can make a big impact on how your message is conveyed. Here are some examples:
- ‘The company operates outside of the city limits.’
- ‘This project focuses on activities outside of the classroom.’
- ‘He was asked to look for solutions outside of his field of expertise.’
Using ‘outside’ and ‘outside of’ appropriately is important for precision and accuracy. The choice between them will depend on context, but knowing when to choose one or the other will help you communicate more effectively with your audience.
How to Choose Between ‘Outside’ and ‘Outside Of’
Choosing between ‘outside’ and ‘outside of’ can be tricky, so it’s important to pay attention to context when deciding which one to use.
Generally, ‘outside’ is used as a preposition or an adverb describing the placement of something in relation to a boundary or limit. For example, ‘The cat was sitting outside the house.’
On the other hand, ‘outside of’ is typically used before nouns and pronouns as a way of expressing exclusivity or separateness from something. For instance, ‘We went swimming outside of school hours.’
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ‘Outside’ and ‘Outside Of’
When using ‘outside’ and ‘outside of’, it’s important to avoid making common mistakes. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
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Don’t use ‘outside of’ when referring to physical locations; instead, use just ‘outside’.
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When speaking about concepts or non-physical objects, such as ideas or rules, use ‘outside of’.
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Be careful when using the phrase as part of an idiom; for example, it is ‘look outside the box’, not ‘look outside of the box’.
Conclusion
To sum up, the difference between ‘outside’ and ‘outside of’ is subtle but important. Both words can be used to describe areas beyond a boundary or limit. However, ‘outside’ should be used for literal physical locations. On the other hand, ‘outside of’ should be used to indicate figurative boundaries.
Remember that when in doubt, it’s best to opt for ‘outside.’ With practice, you’ll become more confident in your use of these two terms.