run out of

USAGE SUMMARY

"run out of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe being completely out of a particular item or resource. Example: We ran out of firewood, so we had to go to the store to buy more.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run out of ideas?

The New York Times

They run out of time.

The New York Times

I've run out of space.

The New York Times

I run out of patience.

The New York Times - Magazine

I run out of time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They run out of money.

The New York Times

She had run out of time".

The New Yorker

Everyone had run out of superlatives anyway.

The New York Times

"I run out of steam with them.

The New York Times - Books

You run out of superlatives really.

Independent

Why did they run out of fuel?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider more precise alternatives such as "deplete" or "exhaust" instead of "run out of" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Ensure that the tense of "run out of" matches the surrounding text. For instance, avoid mixing past and present tenses within the same sentence.

How to use

Learn how to use "run out of" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run out of" is to act as a verb phrase indicating the depletion or exhaustion of a resource, supply, or abstract concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run out of" is a very common prepositional phrase used to describe the depletion or exhaustion of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context; in formal settings, alternatives like "deplete" or "exhaust" may be more appropriate. Common usage contexts include news, media, and informal conversations. Remember to maintain consistent tense and check for clarity in formal writing to avoid ambiguity. The frequent presence of authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC using "run out of" underscores its acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be all out of

Informal phrasing emphasizing that you don't have any remaining quantity of something

be fresh out of

Emphasizes recency and the state of not having any quantity of something

use up

A simple and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

have no more

A straightforward way of expressing a lack of something.

exhaust

A more concise, single-word alternative that conveys the idea of using something up completely.

deplete

Similar to 'exhaust', but often used in the context of resources or supplies.

reach the end of

Focuses on the endpoint or limit of a resource or supply.

be devoid of

Emphasizes the complete absence of something.

be deficient in

Highlights the fact that something lacks a significant quality.

come to an end

Highlights the termination of something, whether it is tangible or intangible.

FAQs

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

You can use "run out of" to indicate the depletion or exhaustion of a resource. For example, "We "ran out of" milk, so I went to the store."

What's the difference between "run out of" and "exhaust"?

"Run out of" is a more common and informal way to say that you have used all of something. "Exhaust" is more formal and implies a complete depletion, often of a resource or supply. While both can be used, "exhaust" may sound more professional in some contexts.

What are some alternatives to "run out of"?

Some alternatives include "deplete", "exhaust", "use up", or "be all out of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ran out from" instead of "run out of"?

No, "ran out from" is not a standard or correct usage. The correct preposition to use with "run out" in this context is "of". "Run out from" might imply escaping a location, which is a different meaning.