I was running on empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I was running on empty" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to convey a state of exhaustion or depletion, both physically and mentally. It can also be used to express feeling drained or lacking energy. Example: "After pulling an all-nighter to finish my project, I was running on empty the next day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I was running on empty.

The Guardian

Towards the end I was running on empty and couldn't wait to be back at home with my kids, but I still had a smile on my face".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His hunger was questioned last year, but he said: "At the end of the Ashes series I was running on empty.

The Guardian - Sport

"I thought from the third-last fence I was running on empty," McCoy said.

BBC

I was running on empty most of my first semester and having the best time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I thankfully managed to fill my car up this morning as it was running on empty, rather than panic-buying as many of the others seemed to be.

BBC

However, if I'm running on empty, unmotivated, procrastinating, sick and exhausted -- no one wins.

Huffington Post

"I only stopped here because I'm running on empty," said Maura Trejo, a real estate agent.

The New York Times

Now it's running on empty.

The Guardian - Film

Towards the end The Lazarus Project seems to realise it's running on empty.

The Guardian - Books

I think she was running on empty".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was running on empty" to vividly describe a state of exhaustion after prolonged effort, emphasizing a near-depleted state of physical or mental energy.

Common error

Avoid using "I was running on empty" in situations where a literal lack of fuel is the primary concern; the phrase is most effective when conveying a metaphorical depletion of energy or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was running on empty" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Reference

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was running on empty" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase is best used to convey a metaphorical lack of energy rather than a literal lack of fuel. Alternatives such as "I was completely drained" or "I was running on fumes" can provide similar meanings. While it does not appears on all sources type, remember it is used in a variety of contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was completely drained

Focuses on the feeling of being physically and mentally depleted, similar to lacking energy.

I was totally exhausted

Highlights extreme tiredness and lack of energy.

I was running on fumes

Implies continuing to function with minimal resources or energy, like a car almost out of gas.

I had nothing left to give

Emphasizes the inability to offer any more effort or energy.

I was at the end of my rope

Suggests reaching the limit of one's endurance or patience.

I was spent

A concise way to describe being completely used up or exhausted.

I was running out of steam

Indicates a loss of momentum or energy to continue.

I was completely depleted

Highlights the state of being emptied of resources, both physical and mental.

I was running low on energy

Directly states a lack of available energy.

I was operating on reserve power

Suggests using the last bit of available energy to keep going.

FAQs

How can I use "I was running on empty" in a sentence?

Use "I was running on empty" to express a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion after a period of sustained effort. For example: "After the marathon, "I was running on empty" and could barely walk".

What's a good alternative to "I was running on empty"?

Alternatives include "I was completely drained", "I was totally exhausted", or "I was running on fumes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I was running on empty"?

Yes, "I was running on empty" is a grammatically correct and widely recognized idiomatic expression.

What does "I was running on empty" mean?

"I was running on empty" means you were extremely tired or depleted of energy, similar to a car continuing to drive when it's almost out of gas.