Learn English – Is “Get out” different from “Walk out”

word-usage

Consider these expressions:

The moment you walk out of the building, you will see various cabs parked outside.

The moment you get out of the building, you will see various cabs parked outside.

Is there any difference between these two expressions? How do "get out" and "walk out" differ in meaning?

Best Answer

Basically, no, there is no difference in this case. The only real difference here is that "walk out" specifies method of travel (walking). But you already knew that.

I would caution you, however, that there are many contexts in which there is a difference. The phrase "get out", especially when used as an imperative (command), quite often implies a very harsh tone, anger, and even a threat. However, because you are using it in a context that merely discusses the act hypothetically, it won't be taken as harsh.

Another caution: this is a somewhat less common way to use "get out", and a less common way to say what the sentence is trying to say (at least in my experience). It sounds somewhat out of place there. A better phrasing would perhaps be one of the following:

  • The moment you leave the building...
  • The moment you exit the building...
  • The moment you arrive outside (of the building)...
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