ran out of puff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran out of puff" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has become tired or exhausted, often after physical exertion. Example: "After running the marathon, I really felt like I had run out of puff and needed to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But Brazil then ran out of puff.

The Economist

Roberto Firmino ran out of puff, but he will surely grow again next season.

The Guardian - Sport

"We gave it our best shot but ran out of puff," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

It was Queenan who ran out of puff, not Ingmar Bergman.

The Guardian - Film

In the final hour Yasir was put to the sword as Misbah-ul-Haq's bowlers finally ran out of puff.

The Guardian - Sport

But with just a two-man bench for the second half, Manly eventually ran out of puff.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Graphic: Running out of puff?

The Times

Sorry.In this section Running out of puff?

The Economist

Make bankruptcy more costly, and you make entrepreneurship less attractive.In this section Running out of puff?

The Economist

In a comment reminiscent of the 1970s, he urged consumers to become "good energy savers".In this section Running out of puff?

The Economist

One of them, a Dutch firm called Van der Moolen, has seven ex-traders facing charges this week.In this section Running out of puff?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ran out of puff" to describe a temporary loss of energy or momentum, often in the context of physical activity or a project that has lost its initial drive. For a more permanent loss of power, consider alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "ran out of puff" in highly formal or technical writing where a more direct or literal expression of exhaustion or depletion is more appropriate. It's an idiom, so it might not translate well or be understood in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran out of puff" functions as an idiomatic expression within a sentence. It typically acts as a verb phrase expressing a state of exhaustion or depletion of energy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ran out of puff" is a correct and commonly used idiom to describe exhaustion or depletion of energy. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness. It's frequently found in neutral to informal contexts, especially in sports and news media. While versatile, remember it might not be appropriate for highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "became exhausted" or "lost steam" for those occasions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost energy

A more literal description of diminished physical or mental vigor.

lost steam

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in momentum or enthusiasm.

became exhausted

Focuses more on the state of being tired rather than the process of losing energy.

became depleted

Highlights the reduction of resources or strength.

became fatigued

Similar to "became exhausted" but can imply a more prolonged state.

hit a wall

Describes a sudden inability to continue due to fatigue or difficulty.

lost momentum

Emphasizes a decline in progress or advancement.

couldn't keep going

Focuses on the inability to continue an activity.

reached their limit

Emphasizes hitting the maximum capacity or threshold of endurance.

reached the end of their rope

Highlights a limit of endurance or patience.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "ran out of puff"?

Saying someone "ran out of puff" means they became tired or exhausted, typically after physical exertion or a sustained effort. It implies a temporary depletion of energy.

What can I say instead of "ran out of puff"?

You can use alternatives like "became exhausted", "lost steam", or "reached their limit" depending on the context.

Is "ran out of puff" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ran out of puff" is more suited to informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct phrases like "became exhausted" or "reached the limit of their endurance".

How is "ran out of puff" different from "ran out of steam"?

"Ran out of puff" often refers to a more immediate physical exhaustion, while "ran out of steam" can describe a gradual loss of momentum or enthusiasm in a project or endeavor. The former is more about personal physical condition, while the latter can be about a broader situation.