be out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be out of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of something or to express that something is no longer available. Example: "I’m sorry, but we are out of stock on that item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We'll be out of Albany.

The New York Times

They'd be out of it.

The New Yorker

We'd be out of there.

The New York Times

Be out of the game.

The New Yorker

"That would probably be out of compliance".

The New York Times

It might be out of necessity.

The New York Times - Sports

It would be out of character.

The New York Times

You must be out of your mind.

The New Yorker

Gambling will be out of character.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I am out of it.

The Economist

Abercrombie was out of touch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be out of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking or no longer available. For example, "We are out of milk" is clearer than simply saying, "We are out."

Common error

Avoid using "be out of" when a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The concert will be out of doors", it's better to say "The concert will be held outdoors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be out of" functions primarily as a predicate adjective describing a state of depletion, absence, or exclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its common use. It often requires a complement to specify what is lacking or what one is excluded from, such as "be out of milk" or "be out of the game."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sports

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be out of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a lack, absence, or state of exclusion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted based on the specific situation. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to specify what is lacking or from what one is excluded. While suitable for everyday conversations and various writing contexts, consider alternative phrasing like "run out of" or "lack" for greater precision in formal or scientific writing. Remembering the frequency and contexts, you can effectively utilize "be out of" in your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run out of

Indicates the depletion of a resource or supply; focuses on the action of exhausting something.

lack

Implies a deficiency or absence of something, often a necessary resource or quality.

be devoid of

Suggests a complete absence of something, emphasizing emptiness or a void.

be without

Indicates the state of not having something, whether temporarily or permanently.

be depleted of

Highlights the process of gradually diminishing a resource, often implying a negative impact.

exhausted

Describes a state where something is completely used up and no longer available.

no longer have

A straightforward way of saying that something is no longer in one's possession or available.

be finished with

Implies the completion of using something, often in the context of a project or task.

used up

Indicates that something has been completely consumed or utilized, leaving nothing remaining.

be short of

Suggests a limited quantity or insufficient amount of something, implying a need for more.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be out of" something?

To "be out of" something means to have no more of it, to have exhausted the supply, or to no longer be involved in something. It can refer to physical items (like "be out of milk") or abstract concepts (like "be out of patience").

How can I use "be out of" in a sentence?

You can use "be out of" to describe a lack of something. For example, "I am "run out of" ideas", or "The store is "out of stock"". It can also mean to no longer be involved such as "I'm glad to "be done with" that project".

What are some synonyms for "be out of"?

Synonyms for "be out of" include "run out of", "lack", "be devoid of", or "be without" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be out of" in formal writing?

Yes, "be out of" is acceptable in formal writing, though in some cases, more precise language may be preferred depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. For instance, consider alternatives like "lack" or "be deficient in" if greater precision is needed.