he missed out on the free lunch at work.

[angliholic]

Ian was sick tday, so he missed out on the free lunch at work.
... so he missed the free lunch ...



Do both of the above sound right? If yes, are there any differences in meaning between them? Thanks.

 

[baqarah131]

This is almost splitting hairs, but "missed out" expresses more regret, disappointment. It was very unfortunate.

regards
edward

Ian was sick tday, so he missed out on the free lunch at work.
... so he missed the free lunch ...



Do both of the above sound right? If yes, are there any differences in meaning between them? Thanks.

 

[angliholic]

This is almost splitting hairs, but "missed out" expresses more regret, disappointment. It was very unfortunate.

regards
edward

Thanks, Edward.
Got it.

By the way, I never knew their differences are like splitting hairs because they are confusing to me--non-native speaker.

 

[baqarah131]

I'm sorry, I meant that my response was splitting hairs. I wasn't referring to your question.
The question was a good one.
Often we'll tell you whether the difference between two expressions is small, large, or non-existant. I used the expression "splitting hairs" because I wanted you to learn or practice the idiom.

best wishes
edward

Thanks, Edward.
Got it.

By the way, I never knew their differences are like splitting hairs because they are confusing to me--non-native speaker.

 

[angliholic]

Thanks, Edward, for your kindness and thoughtfulness.
In truth, your analysis of this question is very awesome!