the timer runs out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the timer runs out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an allotted amount of time has expired. For example, "The timer runs out in 10 minutes, so hurry to finish the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

When the timer runs out, the break is turned on (set high) and the function ends.

Cornell University

When the timer runs out, the balloon pops and someone gets wet.

The Washington Post

It is not 21 hours per Pokémon, however, so choose when to collect wisely; if you add more defenders after you've claimed once already that day you have to wait until the timer runs out to claim again.

The Guardian - Tech

You still have to put the leg work into getting there before the timer runs out, but Pokévision, and others like it, should help take the guess work out of catching the less common varieties of Pokémon.

The Guardian - Tech

When the timer runs out, the heart makes a noise and "the oscilloscope display changes its display from a heartbeat display to a pure flat line," the patent says.

The New York Times

When the timer runs out, the message would disappear from both their and the recipients' inboxes.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It also completed almost three full laps of the track before the timer ran out, and earned the team a respectable 110 points.

Harvard University

Desperate not to let the timer run out, Eko goes to the stash of dynamite from the Black Rock, a ship which wrecked on the island before the plane.

Wikipedia

The game has an "Hourglass Timer" on the top of the screen; whenever the Hourglass Timer runs out, Wonder Boy loses some life.

Wikipedia

No matter what, you will end up with the same five-boss fight at the end when your timer runs out or you all wipe, whether it's branch 5 or branch 500.

Forbes

But if you'll be writing a very long book or you'll be writing more books, you should buy the program before your trial timer runs out! (Around 180 days to use the trial).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, use “when "the timer runs out"” to clearly signal the end of a timed activity or step.

Common error

Avoid using "the timer runs out" interchangeably with phrases like “the battery runs out” or “the funding runs out”. While they share a similar structure, the context is distinctly different: one refers to a timekeeping device, while the others refer to resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the timer runs out" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the completion or expiration of a set time period. It is commonly used to signal the end of an activity or process, as demonstrated by Ludwig’s examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the timer runs out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates the expiration of a set time period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and academic papers. It's important to use this phrase accurately, distinguishing it from similar expressions related to resource depletion. When writing, ensure the context clearly refers to a timed event concluding, and consider alternatives like "time is up" or "time expires" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time expires

Focuses on the expiration of time itself rather than the timer.

time is up

A more direct and common way of indicating the end of a time period.

the time limit is reached

More formal and emphasizes the limit rather than the process.

the allotted time has passed

Emphasizes that the specific time given has concluded.

the deadline is met

Focuses on reaching a specific point in time by which something must be completed.

the duration ends

Highlights the termination of a specified period.

the period concludes

Formal and indicates the termination of a specific time frame.

the session ends

Specifically refers to the ending of a scheduled meeting or activity.

the game is over

Specifically used in the context of games, indicating the end of play.

the end of the countdown

Focuses on the final moment of a countdown sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "the timer runs out" in a sentence?

You can use "the timer runs out" to indicate that the allotted time for an activity has expired. For example: "Make sure to submit your answers before "time is up", or when "the timer runs out"."

What's a similar phrase to "the timer runs out"?

Similar phrases include "time expires", "the time limit is reached", or "time is up". They all indicate the end of a specified time period.

Is it correct to say "the timer is out" instead of "the timer runs out"?

While "the timer is out" could mean the timer is not functioning, it doesn't carry the same meaning as "the timer runs out", which specifically refers to the expiration of a set time. To say that the timer is not working properly, you can specify by saying "the timer is broken".

What happens when "the timer runs out" in a game?

In most games, when "the timer runs out", the player may lose a life, the game may end, or a specific event may be triggered, such as a score calculation or a change in gameplay.