run out of resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run out of resources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a depletion of available materials, funds, or support necessary for a task or project. Example: "The team had to halt the project because they ran out of resources to continue their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"The country has run out of resources".

The New York Times

Run out of resources before completion.

The Guardian

"Soon, he was going to run out of resources.

The New Yorker

"We had run out of resources ourselves," explains Derec.

The Guardian

While the affluent suffer from "compassion fatigue," the poor simply run out of resources.

The New York Times

But development has slowed way, way down, because we have run out of resources".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Indeed, it can fairly be said that the essential dynamic behind Kyoto, as with earlier scares about the world's running out of resources, has been emotion, not reason.

Forbes

Running out of steam.

The Economist

Running out of runners.

Los Angeles Times

But I'm running out of resources.

The New York Times

He's just running out of resources".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about projects or initiatives, use "run out of resources" to clearly indicate the point at which progress was halted due to a lack of necessary supplies, funding, or personnel.

Common error

Avoid limiting "resources" solely to financial assets; remember it can also refer to time, personnel, and materials. Clarify the specific type of resource depleted for better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run out of resources" functions as a verb phrase indicating the depletion or exhaustion of available resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating that available materials, funds, or support necessary for a task or project has been completely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run out of resources" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the depletion of available materials, funds, or support. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. Analysis of examples shows that it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, with a neutral formality level. To avoid misinterpretations, clarify the specific type of resource that has been depleted. Rephrasing options include "exhaust available funds" or "deplete the budget" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhaust one's reserves

Focuses on depleting a store or supply of something.

deplete available funds

Specifically refers to the reduction of monetary resources.

reach the end of the line

Implies reaching a limit or boundary, not just resource depletion.

use up all provisions

Highlights the consumption of essential supplies.

become insolvent

Refers to a state of being unable to pay debts due to lack of funds.

out of ammunition

Refers to being completely without means for a specific activity.

come to the end of one's rope

Indicates reaching the limit of one's ability to cope or endure.

reach a dead end

Implies reaching a point where no further progress is possible due to limitations.

be at a loss

Indicates being unable to proceed due to lack of knowledge or means.

draw a blank

Refers to an inability to recall or find information or ideas.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "run out of resources" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "exhaust available funds", "deplete the budget", or "reach the limit of funding" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some common examples of when someone might "run out of resources"?

Examples include a business "running out of capital", a project "running out of funding", or a person "running out of energy" or "running out of time".

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

Yes, "ran out of resources" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct when referring to a past event. "Run out of resources" is used for present or general statements.

What's the difference between "running out of resources" and "exhausting resources"?

"Running out of resources" implies a gradual depletion to the point of exhaustion, while "exhausting resources" can refer to the act of using them up completely, possibly intentionally or quickly.