running out fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"running out fast" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation where something is depleting quickly. Example: "We are running out fast of time to complete the project." Alternative expressions include "running low quickly" and "depleting rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

And time is running out fast.

The New York Times

But the bathwater is running out fast.

The Economist

Time is now running out fast for Osborne.

The Guardian - Business

Yet time is running out and running out fast.

The Guardian - Opinion

But no details have been thrashed out and time is running out fast.

The Economist

With five droughts in the past four years, water is running out fast.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But time was running out faster than everyone realized.

The New York Times - Science

Mr Peña's lead may be narrowing, but time is running out faster.

The Economist

If Mr Gore should happen to be right, and he may be, time is running out faster than most of the world thinks.

The Economist

Please provide the leadership to make the right things happen today because time to meet the accelerating challenges of change is running out faster than our current leaders admit.

University of California, Berkeley

But the time for Chen is running out faster than that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running out fast" to convey urgency and a sense of impending scarcity, whether referring to time, resources, or opportunities.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing "running out fast" in highly formal or academic writing. More precise or technical language may be preferable, such as "depleting rapidly" or "approaching depletion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running out fast" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe the state of something being depleted quickly. It is an observation confirmed by Ludwig which highlights that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "running out fast" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the rapid depletion of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, its register remains relatively neutral, making it versatile for both general and professional communication. When aiming for formal expression, consider synonyms like "depleting rapidly" or "approaching depletion". Understanding these nuances helps writers effectively convey the intended urgency and potential implications. This conclusion is supported by the numerous examples, highlighting real-world application across diverse source types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Depleting rapidly

Emphasizes the speed of depletion; a more formal alternative.

Dwindling quickly

Highlights the reduction in quantity or availability at a fast rate.

Running short on time

Specifically refers to the lack of available time.

Vanishing rapidly

Suggests a more dramatic and sudden disappearance.

Time is of the essence

Focuses specifically on the urgency related to time constraints.

The clock is ticking

Emphasizes the limited time available before a deadline or event.

Nearing depletion

Highlights approaching the point where something is completely exhausted.

Resources are dwindling

Highlights the reduction of available resources, less emphasis on speed.

Supplies are running low

Focuses on the decrease of supplies, implying a potential shortage.

Approaching the end

Describes proximity to the termination or conclusion of something, rather than the rate.

FAQs

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

You can use "running out fast" to describe something that is being quickly depleted, such as "Time is "running out fast" to complete the project" or "Our supplies are "running out fast"".

What are some alternatives to "running out fast"?

Some alternatives include "depleting rapidly", "dwindling quickly", or "vanishing rapidly", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "running out fast" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "running out fast" may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise language like "approaching depletion" or "resources are dwindling" in such cases.

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

"Running low" indicates that something is becoming scarce, while "running out fast" emphasizes the speed at which it is being depleted. "Running out fast" conveys a greater sense of urgency than "running low".