out of words

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of words" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you no longer have anything to say about a particular topic. Example: After hearing her story, I was out of words.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the first time in 39 years that I am out of words," she said.

BBC

This is the first time in the 39 years of my life that I am out of words.

BBC

I am a writer, but I am out of words.

HuffPost

I am out of words for today, Grandma.

Huffington Post

"I am running out of words.

Independent

The Jets trudged home, out of words.

The New York Times

Josephine had run out of words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes you just run out of words for galling.

The New York Times

You're basically building a ring out of words.

The New York Times - Tech

When Bishop runs out of words, she draws a picture.

The New Yorker

Obama ran out of words on mass shootings.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of words" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or unable to adequately express oneself due to strong emotion, surprise, or a lack of appropriate vocabulary for the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "out of words" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and descriptive language is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "unable to articulate" or "lacking sufficient vocabulary to describe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of words" primarily functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of being unable to express oneself verbally. This can stem from a range of emotions or situations, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples, where individuals are rendered speechless due to shock, awe, or overwhelming circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of words" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of being unable to articulate oneself, often due to strong emotion or overwhelming circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in formality, more precise language may be preferred in academic or formal settings. Consider alternatives like "speechless" or "at a loss for words" to fine-tune your message. Be mindful of using "out of words" when more professional or precise language is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a loss for words

Similar to "out of words", implying difficulty in finding the right things to say.

lost for words

A more concise version of "at a loss for words", retaining the same core meaning.

can't find the words

Highlights the struggle to discover suitable language to convey a message or emotion.

struggling for words

Similar to "can't find the words", emphasizing the effort to find suitable language.

speechless

Indicates a temporary inability to speak, often due to surprise or strong emotion.

unable to articulate

Focuses on the inability to express oneself clearly and effectively.

without words

Emphasizes the absence of any verbal expression, potentially due to overwhelming feelings.

wordless

Simply meaning without words; a state of being.

beyond description

Suggests that something is so extraordinary or extreme that it cannot be adequately described.

past expression

Implies that a feeling or situation surpasses the capacity for verbal communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "out of words" to express an inability to speak due to shock, surprise, or strong emotion. For example: "After witnessing the incredible performance, I was "out of words"."

What's another way to say "out of words"?

Alternatives to "out of words" include "speechless", "at a loss for words", or "unable to articulate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am without words" instead of "I am out of words"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "I am "without words"" emphasizes the absence of any verbal expression, whereas "I am "out of words"" suggests a temporary inability to find the right things to say. Both are grammatically correct, but their connotations differ slightly.

When is it appropriate to use "out of words"?

"Out of words" is appropriate in informal and some neutral contexts to express being overwhelmed or unable to articulate oneself. However, in formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives.