What Does “Be out to do sth” Mean?
“Be out to do sth” means to have the intention or purpose of doing something. It shows that someone is determined or focused on achieving a specific action.
Introduction
The phrase “be out to do sth” is commonly used in English to express a person’s intention or goal to perform a particular action. It emphasizes that someone is actively trying or planning to do something, often with determination. Understanding the be out to do sth meaning helps learners recognize when someone has a clear purpose in mind. This phrase is useful in both spoken and written English and appears in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing. Knowing how to use it correctly can make your English sound more natural and precise.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Be out to do something
- Type: Intransitive (with infinitive)
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To intend or aim to do something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrase be out to do sth follows a simple grammatical structure:
- Subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + out + to + verb (base form)
- Example: She is out to prove her talent.
Note that this phrasal expression is inseparable. You cannot place any word between “be” and “out” or between “out” and “to.”
How to Use “Be out to do sth”?
You use “be out to do sth” when you want to say someone has a clear goal or intention to do a particular action. It often implies a sense of purpose or determination.
This phrase can describe positive or negative intentions, depending on the context. It is commonly used in formal and informal situations.
Examples
- He is out to win the competition this year.
- They were out to make a good impression on their new boss.
- She is out to find the truth behind the mystery.
- Be out to do sth in a sentence: The company is out to improve customer satisfaction.
- We are out to change the way people think about health.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She is out doing the project.
Correct: She is out to do the project. - Incorrect: They are out for do the work.
Correct: They are out to do the work.
Remember: Always use “out to” followed by the base form of the verb.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include:
- Be aiming to do sth: Focuses more on the goal or target.
- Be trying to do sth: Emphasizes effort rather than intention.
- Be set to do sth: Suggests something is planned or scheduled.
Difference: “Be out to do sth” highlights a strong intention or purpose, often with determination, while “be trying to do sth” focuses on the attempt or effort.
Common Collocations
- Be out to help someone
- Be out to win a prize
- Be out to prove a point
- Be out to find answers
- Be out to change something
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of be out to do sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Why is Mark working so hard lately?
Ben: He’s out to get a promotion this year.
Anna: That makes sense. He really wants to move up in the company.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form:
- She is _______ to finish the project before the deadline. (be out to / be out doing)
- They are _______ change the rules to make things fairer. (be out to / be out for)
- He was _______ prove that he was right all along. (be out to / be out doing)
FAQs
- Q: Is “be out to do sth” formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal English.
- Q: Can I use “be out to” with any verb?
A: Yes, as long as it expresses intention or purpose.
- Q: What does “sth” mean in “be out to do sth”?
A: “sth” is short for “something.”
- Q: Is “be out to do sth” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable and must stay together.
- Q: Can “be out to do sth” express negative intentions?
A: Yes, it can describe both positive and negative intentions depending on context.
