almost out of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost out of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that there is very little time remaining to complete a task or activity. Example: "We need to hurry; we're almost out of time to submit the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

All right, almost out of time.

Yale University

FRED LOGEVALL: We're almost out of time.

Cornell University

MR. LEHRER We're almost out of time.

The New York Times

I wanted this piece to be almost out of time".

The New York Times - Arts

Lawmakers face a pile of other major bills, too, and they're almost out of time.

The New York Times

MS. RADDATZ: I want to -- we're almost out of time here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Conservative voters have been receptive not just to Trump's candidacy but to his message, an almost out-of-time economic nationalism.

The New Yorker

The changing geography of the conservative grass roots gives some clues about why the Party has been so receptive not just to Trump's candidacy but to his message, an almost out-of-time economic nationalism.

The New Yorker

His dopey, almost out-of-time delivery is a strong counterpoint to the song's glittery, lithe beat. .

Vice

As she is telling me about her compulsive obsession, or obsessive compulsion, for this almost out-of-body experience she has every time she goes to Costco, I think I observe a slight tremor — almost as though she's going through some sort of withdrawal.

Forbes

But, as is often the case with silent-film physical comedy, there was also a hint of the dreamily surreal in Kushner's predicament something of a hushed, out-of-time, almost avant-garde quality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost out of time" to convey a sense of urgency when a deadline or end point is near. It's effective in both formal and informal settings to prompt immediate action.

Common error

Avoid using "almost out of time" when the situation doesn't genuinely require immediate action. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create unnecessary stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost out of time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the proximity to a deadline or the end of an activity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost out of time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a deadline or end point is rapidly approaching. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys urgency and is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. Alternatives like "running out of time" or "time is running short" can be used to express similar meanings. When writing, remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid unnecessary stress. Its neutral register makes it a versatile choice for prompting action in diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running out of time

Focuses on the action of time depletion rather than the state of being near the end.

time is running short

Emphasizes the scarcity of time and the need for prompt action.

time is almost up

Highlights the impending conclusion of a designated time period.

we're nearly out of time

Adds a personal element, specifying who is affected by the limited time.

the deadline is approaching

Emphasizes the proximity of a specific time limit for completion.

time is of the essence

Indicates that timely action is critically important.

we haven't much time left

Highlights the limited amount of time remaining, with a slightly more informal tone.

the clock is ticking

Uses a metaphor to create a sense of urgency and impending deadline.

our time is limited

States directly that the available time is restricted.

we're pressed for time

Indicates that there is a constraint and stress due to limited time.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost out of time" to express that there is very little time left to complete something. For example, "We're "almost out of time" to finish the presentation, so let's focus on the key points."

What is a more formal way to say "almost out of time"?

In a more formal context, you could say "time is of the essence" or "our time is limited". These phrases convey the same urgency with a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "almost out of time" to emphasize urgency?

To emphasize urgency, consider using phrases like "time is running short" or "the clock is ticking". These alternatives amplify the sense of needing to act quickly.

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

Yes, "nearly out of time" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to ""almost out of time"". They are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning.