time has run out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time has run out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a deadline has passed or that there is no more time left to complete a task or make a decision. Example: "Unfortunately, time has run out for submitting your application, and we can no longer accept any more entries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every dog has its day, but time has run out on "Dog the Bounty Hunter," A&E's long-running reality series about Duane Chapman, better known by the nom de bondsman Dog.

The New York Times

Their lawyer says "time has run out".

The Guardian

For corn, time has run out".

The New York Times

"Time has run out," Mr. Daschle said.

The New York Times

"Time has run out for Fatah," Eichmann said.

The New Yorker

But his time has run out: the partition comes down.

The New Yorker

But time has run out for three other convicted executives.

The New York Times

"Clearly Mubarak's time has run out," said one of Mr. Obama's advisers.

The New York Times

But, like the Mayan calendar, the Memory Bank watch's time has run out, quite literally.

The New Yorker

President George Bush has already said that time has run out for Saddam.

The Economist

For both of them, time has run out, so the volatility metric is zero.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time has run out", ensure the context clearly indicates what the time limit applied to. Be specific about what is no longer possible due to the lack of time. For example, instead of simply saying "time has run out", specify "time has run out for submitting your application".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "time has run out" can sound overly dramatic in very casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "we're out of time" or "it's too late" when communicating with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time has run out" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily serving to indicate the expiration of a deadline or the termination of an opportunity. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it often carries a sense of urgency or finality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time has run out" is a commonly used phrase that effectively communicates the end of a deadline or opportunity. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While appropriate for many contexts, it may be overly dramatic in casual settings. Consider alternatives such as "the deadline has passed" or "time is up" for conciseness. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, exhibiting a neutral register, though versatility allows applications across many types of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The clock has run out

Similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly different emphasis.

Time is up

A common and concise way to express the end of a time limit.

There's no time left

A direct statement emphasizing the absence of remaining time.

The deadline has passed

More direct and formal way of saying time is up for something.

The period has ended

A more formal phrasing indicating the conclusion of a designated timeframe.

The window of opportunity has closed

Emphasizes the loss of a chance or possibility.

The opportunity has expired

Similar to "window of opportunity has closed" but focuses on the expiration of a specific chance.

It's too late

A simple and general way to indicate that something can no longer be done.

We've missed the boat

An idiomatic expression suggesting that an opportunity has been missed.

The game is over

Figurative expression indicating the end of an activity or process, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

What does "time has run out" mean?

The phrase "time has run out" means that a specific time limit or deadline has passed, and it is no longer possible to complete a task or take advantage of an opportunity. Similar phrases include "the deadline has passed" or "time is up".

How can I use "time has run out" in a sentence?

You can use "time has run out" to indicate that a deadline has been missed or an opportunity is no longer available. For example: "Unfortunately, time has run out for submitting your application." or "Time has run out to draft a compromise bill."

What are some alternatives to "time has run out"?

Some alternatives to "time has run out" include "the deadline has passed", "time is up", "it's too late", or "the opportunity has expired". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "time has run out" formal or informal?

"Time has run out" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in most contexts, consider using more informal alternatives like "we're out of time" in casual conversations.