Depart vs Exit vs Get out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Depart
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Exit
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Get out
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Depart | Exit | Get out | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈpɑːt//🇺🇸 //dɪˈpɑrt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈeksɪt//ˈeɡzɪt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈeksɪt//ˈeɡzɪt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɡɛt aʊt//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt aʊt// |
| Meaning | To leave a place | the way out of a place | To leave or escape from a place. |
| Example | The train will depart from platform 5 at 3 PM. | Please locate the nearest exit in case of an emergency. | I need to get out of this meeting. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | noun | |
| Collocations | depart from the norm, depart for a destination, depart on schedule | back, rear, side, head for, make for, bolt for, sign, door, gate, to the exit, towards/toward the exit, exit from, freeway, highway, interstate, get off at, take, ramp, point, exit for, exit to, fast, hasty, quick, make, visa, poll, plan, exit from | get out of a car, get out quickly, get out of the house |
| Antonyms | arrive, stay, remain | entrance, entry | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'depart' with 'from' instead of just the destination, Confusing it with 'leave', Not using it in the correct tense | Confused with 'exceed' or 'exile', Using 'exiting' incorrectly as a gerund when an action is not intended, Misplacing 'exit' in sentences, leading to awkward phrasing | Confusing with 'get out of' (to avoid something)., Using 'get out' in overly formal contexts., Omitting the subject, like saying 'Get out!' instead of including it. |
| Usage notes | Use 'depart' in formal contexts or travel-related discussions. Less common in casual dialogue. | Use 'exit' when talking about leaving a place, especially in directions or instructions. Avoid in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'leave' might fit better. | Use 'get out' in casual conversations to indicate leaving a place, often in an urgent or spontaneous manner. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Depart vs Exit vs Get out
What's the difference between Depart, Exit, and Get out?
Depart: To leave a place Exit: the way out of a place Get out: To leave or escape from a place.
Can you show an example of each?
Depart: The train will depart from platform 5 at 3 PM. Exit: Please locate the nearest exit in case of an emergency. Get out: I need to get out of this meeting.
Can I use Depart, Exit, and Get out interchangeably?
Not always. Depart, Exit, and Get out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.