out of stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of materials, resources, or items needed for a task or situation. Example: "I'm sorry, but we are currently out of stuff to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I'm already out of stuff to say – I really do hate talking about myself – but before I go, I'm going to Oscar acceptance speech this thing {Cue "walking off" music — D.A.} This is a dream come true.

The New York Times

Running out of stuff to quantify?

TechCrunch

Some heirloom and specialty seed houses run out of stuff before spring.

WikiHow

I'm out of stuff.

The New York Times

We've finally run out of stuff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They built it out of stuff they found.

The Guardian

"You can't just sell stuff, run out of stuff and say, 'O.K., I guess it's over.' ".

The New York Times - Arts

I know you are supposed to take batteries out of stuff to help preserve the product.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I think the out-of-competition stuff could probably get better," Murray said.

Independent

"The out-of-competition stuff could probably get better," he said.

BBC

They throw out tons of stuff four times a year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "out of stuff" is acceptable, more specific terms like "out of materials" or "out of ideas" may be clearer and more professional depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "out of stuff" in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "depleted of resources" or "lacking in supplies" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of stuff" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun. It describes a state of lacking or being depleted of something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in indicating a lack of materials, ideas, or resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of stuff" is a grammatically correct way to express a lack of materials, resources, or ideas. Ludwig confirms its usability, though suggests considering context. While frequently found in news and media sources, it's less common in formal or business settings. For formal writing, alternatives like "depleted of resources" or "lacking in materials" might be more appropriate. Remember that while the phrase is generally acceptable, clarity and precision are always key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run out of materials

Directly states that the supply of materials has been completely used.

used up all the supplies

Emphasizes the complete consumption of available supplies.

depleted of resources

Focuses on the lack of available resources, emphasizing depletion.

lacking in materials

Highlights the absence of necessary materials for a task or project.

short on supplies

Emphasizes a deficiency in the quantity of supplies needed.

exhausted the inventory

Implies that all available inventory has been used up.

low on inventory

Suggests that the available inventory is nearing depletion.

bereft of ideas

Refers to a lack of creative or intellectual resources.

reached the end of our rope

Expresses a feeling of having exhausted all options or resources.

at a loss for words

Indicates a lack of ability to express oneself, often due to surprise or confusion.

FAQs

What does "out of stuff" mean?

The phrase "out of stuff" means lacking the necessary materials, resources, or items needed for a particular purpose or task. It indicates a state of depletion or exhaustion of available supplies.

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

You can use "out of stuff" to describe a situation where you lack necessary items, like, "We're "running out of stuff" for the project" or "I'm "out of ideas" and need inspiration."

What are some alternatives to "out of stuff"?

Alternatives to "out of stuff" include "lacking in materials", "short on supplies", "depleted of resources", or "exhausted the inventory", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "out of stuff"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "out of stuff", but its appropriateness depends on the context. In formal settings, consider more precise alternatives such as "depleted of resources" or "lacking in materials".