run out of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run out of material" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone has depleted their supply of something needed for a task or activity. For example, "I ran out of material to write about halfway through the essay, so I had to start again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He'll never run out of material.

The New Yorker

When George Bush left office in 2008, some worried that Stewart would run out of material.

The Guardian

Bush tired at the end and seemed to run out of material.

The New York Times

McCain's reaction suggested he's already run out of material for heated but meaningless controversies.

The New York Times

In a clip revealed by Comicbook, the actor states: "I think we've run out of material here.

Independent

Spare Rib was part of its time but the Feminist Times is unlikely to run out of material.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Running out of material.

Vice

Work had stopped because he had run out of materials.

The Guardian

It used to be, Ms. Taub said, that Materials for the Arts tried not to advertise too much, for fear it would run out of materials.

The New York Times

While this will increase the overall cost of your materials somewhat, it's usually a wise idea in the long run because it eliminates the hassle of having to run back to the hardware store if you run out of materials halfway through your project (plus, extra materials can be stored for future projects).

WikiHow

I ran out of material.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run out of material" in your writing, consider the specific context to determine if a more precise synonym might be appropriate. For example, "exhaust one's resources" might be better in a business context, while "reach a creative block" could be more suitable for discussing artistic endeavors.

Common error

Avoid using "run out of material" when you simply need to reorganize or reframe your content. The phrase indicates a complete lack of further content, not just a temporary obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run out of material" functions as a verb phrase indicating the depletion or exhaustion of resources, ideas, or subject matter. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts, confirming its role in expressing scarcity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run out of material" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the depletion of resources or subject matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, more formal synonyms might be preferable in academic or professional settings. Remember to consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate phrase, keeping in mind that it indicates a complete lack of further content, ideas or resources and is not just a temporary obstacle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhaust the supply

Highlights the complete use of available resources.

have nothing left to draw on

Highlights the absence of remaining sources or inspiration.

exhaust one's resources

Focuses on the depletion of resources in a more general sense.

deplete the subject matter

Emphasizes that the topic or content has been exhausted.

dry up

A more concise and informal way of saying that something has been depleted.

reach the end of one's rope

Implies reaching a limit of endurance or ability to cope.

come to a standstill

Suggests a complete halt due to lack of resources.

hit a dead end

Suggests reaching a point where no further progress is possible.

find oneself at a loss

Indicates a state of not knowing what to do or say next.

reach a creative block

Specifically refers to a situation where creative output is hindered.

FAQs

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

You can use "run out of material" to describe a situation where someone has exhausted their supply of something needed for a task, for example, "The comedian "ran out of material" during his set and started telling old jokes."

What's a less literal way to interpret "run out of material"?

Beyond physical resources, "run out of material" can refer to exhausting ideas or inspiration, as in, "The author "ran out of material" and struggled to finish the novel."

What can I say instead of "run out of material"?

You can use alternatives like "exhaust the supply", "deplete the subject matter", or "have nothing left to draw on" depending on the context.

Is "run out of material" appropriate for formal writing?

While "run out of material" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives such as "exhaust one's resources" or "deplete the subject matter" in academic or business contexts.