Out the window?

Sam Best · Nov 21, 2011

Would you look out the window or look out of the window? I seem to have neglected the of throughout my entire manuscript. I guess "out of the" just seems like too many small words at once.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mr Flibble · Nov 21, 2011

I've had this issue in edits.

Out the window is more US usage, it seems. Out of the window is more British. (rule of thumb guide anyway). Either can be used, but may be altered in edits depending on audience. That help?

mirandashell · Nov 21, 2011

I've never thought about this before.

As a Brit, I would say 'out the window' but I would write 'out of the window'.

Maybe I've just watched too much American TV.......... LOL!

Tepelus · Nov 21, 2011

I'd say, look through the window. If you say look out of the window, it gives me the impression one is actually in the window looking out from it. Looking out the window you are just looking through it.

BotByte · Nov 21, 2011

How do you look out a window?

At what?
To where?
What are you doing?
Are you out of the window?
Inside?
Inside/outside of what?

It's just bad english.

Tell the reader something more.

And you can't look out a window. You can look out of a window though.

Sometimes I think the Brits have something on us on grammer, but then I question what they mean when they speak.

OnlyStones · Nov 21, 2011

I look through windows.

Sam Best · Nov 21, 2011

Hmm. If one is inside and is looking outside and you want to reinforce the placement of the characters, would it then make more sense to say "looked out of the window?" Maybe combine them and say "looked out through the window"?

BotByte · Nov 21, 2011

NO

one or the other.

"I looked out through the windows as I was viewing out of the window that I was looking out through of."

Just use the one that feels the best.

Sam Best · Nov 21, 2011

I just went through and swapped out every instance of "out the window" with "out through the window", except for one or two cases where simply "through the window" worked.

I found that keeping the "out" instantly reminds me (and hopefully the reader) of the character's surroundings. Not bad for three little letters.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Atlantis · Nov 21, 2011

I think you're splitting hairs. Does it really matter? Either is okay.

SRHowen · Nov 21, 2011

Distant third or distant first POV?

I looked through the window, or he looked through the window--and out through the window, very awkward, read those out loud.

Outside his window children played basketball in the street.

Or more distant POV

Outside his window he saw children playing basketball in the street. (though as an editor I would tell you to cut the he saw, his POV so of course he sees)

Also how many times did you use the out the window that you would need to do a search for it to correct it? You might want to see if this is a pet phrase or action you are using.

seun · Nov 22, 2011

If the window was open and I had my head through it to see outside, I would look out of the window.

If it was shut and I looked through the glass, I would look out the window.

Sam Best · Nov 22, 2011

SRHowen said:
Also how many times did you use the out the window that you would need to do a search for it to correct it? You might want to see if this is a pet phrase or action you are using.

This was in fact the case, strangely enough. Never noticed it until now. My characters like looking outside wherever they go. Weird.

seun said:
If it was shut and I looked through the glass, I would look out the window.

That was my original line of thinking, since to me the window is the frame and glass as a whole. Oh well.

Atlantis said:
I think you're splitting hairs. Does it really matter? Either is okay.

I think you're right, Atlantis. I just ended up going with the one that didn't stab me in the eyes every time I read it.

Architectus · Nov 22, 2011

I try to avoid these types of sentences all together. It's easy to do.
So instead of.

He looked out the window and saw a little girl...

I write,

He limbed to the window. Outside, a little girl jump roped too close to the street.

It also makes us fill in the blanks, 2+2=4, and we feel a bit smarter for it.

I do a search for filter words: Look, saw, heard, feel, etc

She felt the knife enter her back. Pain shot through her side ...

A two-edged blade punctured her back. Pain exploded as if something broke, something vital.

So I would personally think of other ways to write it. One more example because I find it so easy to use the word "noticed."

He entered the room and noticed a letter on his bed.

At first, I am tempted to rewrite it like this.

He entered the room and spotted a letter on his bed.

Although better, I think it can be improved more.

He entered the room. On his bed, sat a lonely letter, conspicuously staring back at him with a blood stamp sealing its flap.

Jamesaritchie · Nov 22, 2011

"Look out the window" is proper grammar. . "Of" is both unnecessary and incorrect grammar. "Look out through" is just bad writing, and something I've never heard anyone say or write.

NeuroFizz · Nov 22, 2011

I'm with Atlantis. Move on. If the story sells, let the publisher's editors give their input. This issue is not going to trip the sale.

SRHowen · Nov 22, 2011

NeuroFizz said:
I'm with Atlantis. Move on. If the story sells, let the publisher's editors give their input. This issue is not going to trip the sale.

NO not if it was just one use, but if it is a pet phrase, or the writing is filled with filter words, then it might be indicative of a larger problem with the writing. Over use of filter words, pet words etc. and that might trip up a sale.

Sam Best · Nov 22, 2011

Good advice all, thanks.

Architectus, your post makes a lot sense. I'll do that tonight. +++word count always helps as well!

Out the window?

Sam Best

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Mr Flibble

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

mirandashell

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And so...

BotByte

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Sam Best

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BotByte

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Erotica is not a four letter word!

seun

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Sam Best

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NeuroFizz

The grad students did it

SRHowen

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Sam Best

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