almost out of gas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost out of gas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a vehicle is running low on fuel or when referring to a situation where resources are nearly depleted. Example: "As we were driving through the countryside, I realized we were almost out of gas and needed to find a station soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He was almost out of gas.

The New York Times

They were lost and almost out of gas when they came over a rise and saw the Pacific.

The New York Times

On the top of a mountain, they realized they were almost out of gas, and coasted downhill, hitting "empty" just as they drove into a gas station.

The New York Times

The Sestak ad features a clip of the former Navy admiral and congressman saying the Islamic State was "almost out of gas" in 2014.

The Washington Post

I'm almost out of gas, but, yes, that's a Sunoco station on the corner.

Forbes

This approach, despite recent efforts to upgrade to a new common core is almost out of gas. the complex issues our generation has utterly failed to address!

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I'm almost out of cash".

The New Yorker

Out-of-gas pickups.

Los Angeles Times

He almost ran out of gas in the homestretch but still had half a length on Craigsteel of Britain at the finish, with Ela Athena third and the favored Fantastic Light fourth.

The New York Times - Sports

Last spring Britain nearly ran out of gas.

The Guardian - Business

Never use out-of-date gas mask.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "almost out of gas", consider the context. It can apply literally to vehicles or metaphorically to situations where resources are dwindling. Ensure your audience understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "almost out of gas" in highly formal contexts where a more precise term might be expected. For instance, in a business report, consider using "nearing resource depletion" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost out of gas" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of near-depletion. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost out of gas" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to convey the idea of nearing depletion, whether literally referring to fuel or metaphorically to resources. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct for use. Although categorized as uncommon in frequency, it's commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the audience and context, opting for more precise or formal alternatives like "nearing resource depletion" in professional or academic settings. Always aim for clarity, ensuring the intended meaning—literal or metaphorical—is readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running on fumes

This idiom suggests being near the end of available resources, similar to a vehicle with very little fuel left.

scarcely any fuel left

Directly refers to the small amount of fuel remaining.

nearly empty

Focuses on the low level of fuel or resources remaining.

on the verge of running out

Emphasizes the immediacy and likelihood of complete depletion.

about to run dry

Indicates an imminent lack of a necessary resource.

practically drained

Highlights the state of being almost completely emptied of resources.

close to depletion

Emphasizes the process of using up resources almost completely.

reaching the limit

Highlights approaching the maximum capacity or available amount.

nearing exhaustion

Focuses on the state of being close to complete depletion of energy or resources.

on its last legs

Suggests something is in a state of decline and near the end of its usability or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "almost out of gas" in a sentence?

You can use "almost out of gas" to describe a vehicle with very little fuel left or, metaphorically, to describe a situation where resources or energy are nearly depleted. For example: "We were "almost out of gas" on our road trip and had to stop at the next gas station."

What's a more formal alternative to "almost out of gas"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "nearing resource depletion" or "approaching complete exhaustion" instead of "almost out of gas".

Is it correct to say "nearly out of gas" instead of "almost out of gas"?

Yes, "nearly out of gas" is a perfectly acceptable alternative and carries the same meaning.

Can "almost out of gas" be used in contexts other than referring to vehicles?

Yes, "almost out of gas" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where energy, motivation, or other resources are dwindling. For instance, "After working on the project for months, I was "almost out of gas"".