Take out vs We're going to kill him

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Take out

Top 2,000 (common)

We're going to kill him

InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: Take outMost common: Take out
 Take outWe're going to kill him
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //teɪk aʊt//🇺🇸 //teɪk aʊt//🇬🇧 //wɪə̯r ˈɡəʊɪŋ tə kɪl hɪm//🇺🇸 //wɪr ˈgoʊɪŋ tə kɪl hɪm//
MeaningTo remove something from a place.We will make him dead.
ExampleI need to take out the trash today.In this game, we're going to kill him before he reaches the safe zone.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Collocationstake out the trash, take out a loan, take out food, take out the dog, take out a cardgoing to kill, actually kill, kill him softly, kill him later, going to kill someone
Common mistakesConfused with 'take off' which means to remove clothing., Using 'take out' without an object, e.g., 'I will take out.', Mixing up with 'take away' which means to remove from a location permanently.Learners sometimes use 'kill' too literally when meant figuratively., Misunderstand the tone as always aggressive, while it can express strong competition or frustration.
Usage notesUse 'take out' to indicate removal or extraction, commonly used in everyday conversation. It's appropriate in both informal and formal contexts, but may sound less formal in some situations.This phrase is informal and may be used figuratively to express strong feelings. Avoid in serious contexts.

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Take out
We're going to kill him

Frequently asked questions: Take out vs We're going to kill him

What's the difference between Take out and We're going to kill him?

Take out: To remove something from a place. We're going to kill him: We will make him dead.

Which is more formal: Take out and We're going to kill him?

Take out is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Take out and We're going to kill him?

Take out is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Take out: I need to take out the trash today. We're going to kill him: In this game, we're going to kill him before he reaches the safe zone.

Can I use Take out and We're going to kill him interchangeably?

Not always. Take out and We're going to kill him 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.

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