run out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run out" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used as a verb meaning "to reach the end; to be exhausted; or to escape".
Example sentence: We had run out of food halfway through the trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We run out here.

The New York Times - Sports

We've almost run out".

The New Yorker

"We never run out".

BBC

Will we run out?

TechCrunch

To run out was a good feeling.

BBC

Will her luck run out?

Los Angeles Times

They run out together.

Huffington Post

They've run out".

Huffington Post

Supply would run out on 30 November.

Wikipedia

Run out and escape.

WikiHow

It will run out eventually.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run out", be specific about what is being depleted and the consequences of that depletion. For example, instead of saying "We ran out", specify "We ran out of funding and had to stop the project."

Common error

Avoid using "run out" interchangeably with phrases like "run over" or "run through". "Run out" implies depletion or exhaustion, while "run over" suggests exceeding a limit or accidentally hitting something, and "run through" suggests practice or quickly reviewing something.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "run out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb indicating depletion, exhaustion, or termination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "run out" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the depletion, exhaustion, or termination of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in a variety of contexts, from formal business settings to informal conversations. While alternative phrases exist, "run out" is a direct and easily understood way to express the idea of something being used up. Given its prevalence across diverse sources like The New York Times, BBC and WikiHow, and the absence of negative remarks, mastering its usage is beneficial for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be used up

Indicates that something has been completely consumed or utilized.

be depleted

Focuses on the state of being emptied or reduced, rather than the action of becoming empty.

reach the end

Emphasizes arriving at the final point or limit of something.

be exhausted

Highlights the state of being completely used up or depleted, often used for resources or energy.

come to an end

Emphasizes the termination or conclusion of something, often referring to time or agreements.

be consumed

Implies that something has been completely used or destroyed.

give out

Implies a sudden failure or cessation of function due to depletion or exhaustion.

expire

Specifically refers to the termination of a valid period, such as a contract or license.

peter out

Suggests a gradual decline or fading away until something is completely gone.

be finished

Focuses on the completion or cessation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "run out" in a sentence?

You can use "run out" to indicate that a supply has been exhausted, like in the sentence, "We "ran out" of milk this morning." It can also mean that something has expired, as in "My passport is going to "run out" soon."

What can I say instead of "run out"?

Alternatives to "run out" include phrases like "be depleted", "come to an end", or "be exhausted", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm running out of time"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The phrase ""run out" of time" is a common idiom used to express that the amount of time available is decreasing and nearing its end.

What is the difference between "run out" and "expire"?

"Run out" generally refers to the depletion of a resource or supply. "Expire", on the other hand, specifically refers to the termination of a validity period, like a contract or a food product's shelf life.