running out

USAGE SUMMARY

"running out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an expiring resource or a deadline. For example: "I'm running out of time to finish this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Running out of steam.

The Economist

Time's running out!

The New Yorker

Oil running out?

Independent

And time's running out.

The New York Times

"Its time is running out".

The Economist

Patience is running out".

The Guardian - Arts

Time is running out for the general.

The Economist

Running out of runners.

Los Angeles Times

Is time running out?

Huffington Post

But time's running out.

Huffington Post

"Coal is running out".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "running out", clarify what is being depleted to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "running out of time" or "running out of patience".

Common error

Avoid using "running out" when you literally mean someone is running outside. Instead, use "running outside" or "exiting quickly" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running out" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle of the phrasal verb "run out". It often indicates the depletion or exhaustion of something, whether tangible or intangible, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Running out" is a commonly used phrasal verb indicating depletion or the nearing of a limit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "depleting" or "dwindling" can be used for more formal tones. Understanding the context is vital for effective usage, especially to avoid literal misinterpretations. It's important to clarify the resource that is being depleted to avoid ambiguity in the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running low

Suggests a reduced but not yet critical level.

nearing depletion

Indicates proximity to a state of complete consumption.

reaching its limit

Highlights the approach to a maximum capacity or availability.

becoming scarce

Emphasizes the increasing difficulty in finding or obtaining something.

dwindling

Implies a gradual decrease in quantity or quality.

becoming exhausted

Stresses the process leading to total depletion.

depleting

Focuses on the active process of reduction.

exhausting

Highlights the complete consumption of a resource.

petering out

Suggests a slow and gradual decline to nothing.

drying up

Suggests that something is disappearing completely.

FAQs

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

"Running out" can describe the depletion of a resource, like in the sentence, "We are running out of fuel." It can also describe an expiring deadline, as in, "Time is running out to submit your application."

What's a formal way to say "running out"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "depleting", "diminishing", or "exhausting" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "running out of" or "running out from"?

"Running out of" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Running out from" is rarely used and generally grammatically incorrect in most contexts where "running out of" would apply.

What does it mean when someone says, "My patience is running out"?

It means that the person is beginning to lose their patience or tolerance for a situation or behavior. They are becoming less able to remain calm and understanding.