Is it out of or just out?

[Jeaneejean]

I was brought up to say and write 'out of the window'. Now I read books that say 'out the window. Could anyone put me right please.

[Quizmonster]

'Out' without the 'of' is quite common in American and Australian English, though 'out of' is still the standard form in British English. It has to be said, however, that the simple 'out' has been used in this 'out the window' way here since the 1300s, too, including by writers such as Shakespeare! So, it has a long history, though it dropped out of common usage. Perhaps it's on its way back?

[Jeaneejean]

Thank you Quizmaster. The missing 'of ' still irritates me though.

[Quizmonster]

Quizmonster, ma'am...you see, there is another user here called Quizmaster as well as one called Quizmonkey! Just trying to keep the record straight. Cheers

[Jeaneejean]

Dear Quizmonster, I am so sorry for my mistake. My eyes are not what they used to be! If I could get down on my arthritic knees I would and beg your forgiveness for making such a terrible mistake.

[Thicko2006]

Jeaneejean, if your eyes are not what they used to be, what did they used to be? Ears?

[Jeaneejean]

Dear Thicko, Grammatically speaking I suppose I should have said ' my eyes are not as good as they used to be.' But being old and decrepit now I think that I can be excused. Cheers

[Thicko2006]

I bet I'm older and decrepiter!