Space is running out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Space is running out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where there is a limited amount of space available, often in contexts related to time, resources, or physical space. Example: "As the deadline approaches, I must remind you that space is running out for submissions to the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The city is pursuing recycling because landfill space is running out here.

The New York Times

With 56 million of us dying every year, burial and cemetery space is running out fast.

Huffington Post

Jim Easton, chief deputy director of the county Department of Public Works, said landfill space is running out quickly in the county, and new sites are needed.

Los Angeles Times

And with landfill set to fill up in Britain in just seven years, time and space is running out.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The United States now produces more than 400,000 tons of trash a day and space is running out--landfills are overflowing, waterways are clogged and beaches are becoming lethal playgrounds.

Los Angeles Times

With more and more restrictions on time and space passed each month, options are running out and work is dangerous and financially unattractive.

Vice

Arlington National Cemetery is also a place that is running out of space.

The New York Times

New buildings are being erected on every available plot and the university is running out space to expand.

The Guardian

Pfizer, which is running out of space in its offices in Groton, would use its 80percentt of the building for office space and animal health research.

The New York Times

Yet Pinewood Studios, in whose buildings the movie was shot, is running out of space.

The Economist

Now, in the autumn of his career, the Valley of Mexico – Slim's canvas – is running out of space.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "space is running out" to clearly convey a sense of urgency and limitation, especially when discussing resources, time, or physical areas.

Common error

Avoid using "space is running out" when you actually mean time or opportunity is dwindling. Use "time is running out" instead when referring to deadlines or limited durations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "space is running out" functions as a progressive verb phrase indicating the depletion or imminent exhaustion of available space. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase is often used to highlight concerns about limited resources or capacity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "space is running out" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate the depletion of a resource, area, or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase is relatively rare but finds common ground in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to differentiate it from "time is running out" to accurately reflect the resource in question. To enhance writing, consider context-specific alternatives like "running short on space" or "space is limited".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Running short on space

Focuses on the diminishing quantity of physical space, emphasizing the shortage.

Space is dwindling

Highlights a gradual decrease in available space, implying a slow reduction.

Space is diminishing

Similar to "space is dwindling", but may suggest a more systematic reduction.

Space is becoming scarce

Emphasizes the increasing difficulty of finding available space.

We're running out of room

Uses "room" as a synonym for "space", focusing on the lack of capacity.

We're running low on space

Indicates a decrease in the quantity of space, suggesting a limited supply.

At the end of the line

This idiomatic expression communicates that an action is the final one possible before failure.

Space is tightening up

Implies a constriction or reduction of space, emphasizing the increasing limitations.

Space is limited

States a general restriction on the amount of available space.

Running against the clock

This idiomatic expression communicates that there is a restriction in time.

FAQs

What does "space is running out" mean?

The phrase "space is running out" means that the available area or capacity is diminishing and will soon be completely used up. It implies a sense of urgency to utilize the remaining space efficiently.

What can I say instead of "space is running out"?

You can use alternatives like "running short on space", "space is limited", or "space is becoming scarce" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "time is running out" instead of "space is running out"?

Yes, but the phrases have different meanings. "Time is running out" refers to a limited amount of time, while "space is running out" refers to a limited physical area or capacity. Use the phrase that accurately reflects what is being depleted.

How to use "space is running out" in a sentence?

You can use "space is running out" in sentences like: "The city is pursuing recycling because landfill "space is running out"", or "We need to act quickly because "space is running out" for new projects".