running low

USAGE SUMMARY

"running low" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which an item, resource, or quantity has nearly been depleted: We are running low on paper, so please try to be mindful of how much you print.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Ammunition was running low.

The New York Times

Blood sugar seemed to be running low.

The New Yorker

Water and bread have been running low.

The Economist

"We are running low on ammo.

The New York Times

Helium supplies are running low.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, funds were running low.

The Guardian - Books

Food in the compound was running low.

The New York Times

Now we're running low on fuel.

The Guardian

"Seems to be running low on server space or something.

The Guardian - Sport

But the Madagascar series could be running low on juice.

The Guardian - Film

And a good thing -- I was running low on gasoline.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "running low", specify what resource or item is becoming scarce to provide context and clarity. For example: "We are running low on funding for the project."

Common error

Avoid using "running low" with abstract non-countable nouns that cannot be quantified directly. It's more appropriate for tangible items or measurable resources. For example, avoid saying "running low on happiness" and instead say "experiencing a lack of happiness".

Linguistic Context

Running low functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a noun regarding its quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in describing diminishing resources. The examples show it modifying nouns like ammunition, fuel, food, and money.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running low" is a versatile phrase used to describe the state of a resource that is becoming scarce. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, especially in news and media. When using "running low", specify the resource in question. Be mindful to avoid using it with abstract non-countable nouns. Common alternatives include "in short supply" or "dwindling". Understanding these nuances will help ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting low on

Directly expresses the reduction of a supply, very similar to "running low" with a slight difference in wording.

almost out of

Directly indicates nearing the end of a supply, similar to "running low" but specifies the proximity to complete exhaustion.

in short supply

Emphasizes the limited availability of something, much like "running low" but points out the inadequacy of the amount.

depleted

Signifies complete or near-complete consumption, much like "running low" but suggests a more advanced stage of exhaustion.

becoming scarce

Highlights the increasing rarity of something, akin to "running low" but focuses on availability.

exhausted

Implies total consumption or depletion, similar to "running low" but suggests a stronger sense of being completely used up.

becoming limited

Emphasizes the increasing restriction in availability, akin to "running low" but focuses on the constraint.

dwindling

Implies a gradual decrease in quantity or quality, similar to "running low" but focuses on the process of reduction.

wearing thin

Suggests that something is nearly used up or exhausted, much like "running low" but often applies to intangible resources like patience or goodwill.

decreasing

Indicates a reduction in amount or intensity, similar to "running low" but emphasizes the act of diminishing.

FAQs

How can I use "running low" in a sentence?

You can use "running low" to indicate a diminishing supply of something. For example, "The company is running low on its inventory of winter coats" or "We're running low on patience with these delays".

What are some alternatives to "running low"?

Alternatives to "running low" include phrases like "in short supply", "dwindling", or "becoming scarce", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "running low on money"?

Yes, it is correct to say "running low on money". This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation where someone has a limited amount of funds remaining.

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

"Running low" indicates that there is still some quantity remaining, but it is diminishing. "Out of", on the other hand, means that there is none left. For example, "We are running low on milk" means there's some milk left, while "We are out of milk" means there is no milk at all.