out of funds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of funds" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something has run out of money or financial resources. For example: - We had to cancel our vacation because we were out of funds. - The organization is struggling and is currently out of funds. - I'm afraid we can't approve your request for a new project as we are currently out of funds. It can also be used in a figurative sense to express a lack of resources or options in a particular situation. For example: - Our team is out of funds after losing our star player to injury. - The company is out of funds to invest in new technology. - The negotiations were at a standstill as both parties seemed to be out of funds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I am out of funds and sorts.

The New Yorker

Running out of funds in the middle of a project is a situation you want to avoid.

WikiHow

What if their case fails, or runs out of funds?

The Guardian - Books

There are also cases of councils running out of funds.

The Guardian

"That's when we realised he had run out of funds," Mr Vukcevic said.

Independent

Many people tend to jump in and out of funds at precisely the wrong moments.

The New York Times

Their chaperones told us that they were running out of funds.

The New York Times

DOTCOM TELEGRAPH E-delivery firms like Urbanfetch and BagsofTime are rapidly running out of funds.

The Guardian

Despite the government's claims, most of the country's social-welfare projects are nearly out of funds.

The New Yorker

But Miller ran out of funds after just one test flight.

The New Yorker

"I will be out of funds in the general fund very shortly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial situations, clarify the context. Instead of simply stating someone is "out of funds", specify what they can no longer afford or what projects are affected.

Common error

While "out of funds" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise terms like "insolvent", "lacking sufficient capital", or "facing budgetary constraints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of funds" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a state of lacking financial resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, as shown in numerous examples where it describes situations ranging from personal finances to organizational budgets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of funds" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that describes a state of lacking financial resources. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, its formality level is neutral, suggesting that more precise language might be necessary for professional or academic settings. Related phrases include "lacking funds", "cash-strapped", and "insolvent", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, be specific about the context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking funds

A more formal synonym for "out of funds".

short of money

A general term for not having enough money.

depleted of funds

Emphasizes the exhaustion of available money.

cash-strapped

Indicates a temporary shortage of cash or readily available funds.

with no money left

A straightforward way of expressing the absence of funds.

insolvent

Refers to the inability to pay debts, often used for businesses.

broke

A more informal term implying a complete lack of money.

bankrupt

A formal declaration of insolvency, usually involving legal proceedings.

penniless

Implies a state of having no money at all, often more permanent.

running on empty

A figurative phrase indicating a near-complete lack of resources, including financial ones.

FAQs

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

You can use "out of funds" to indicate a lack of money or financial resources. For example, "The project was halted because we were "out of funds"".

What are some alternatives to saying "out of funds"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "lacking funds", "cash-strapped", or "insolvent".

Is it appropriate to use "out of funds" in a formal setting?

While understandable, "out of funds" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "experiencing budgetary constraints" or "facing a capital shortfall".

What's the difference between "out of funds" and "bankrupt"?

"Out of funds" generally implies a temporary or situational lack of money, while "bankrupt" signifies a formal, legal declaration of insolvency and an inability to pay debts.