time running out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time running out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where urgency or a deadline is implied. Example: "With the deadline approaching, I can feel time running out." Alternative expressions include "time is short" and "time is limited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Deadlines

Negotiations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Time running out on the Kings, they're down 2-1," Miller said.

The New York Times

WITH time running out before the primaries, Steve Forbes has gone on the offensive.

The Economist

But with time running out, the worst case is nearly here.

The New York Times

With time running out, Republicans and Democrats denounced the cuts, but divisions made action impossible.

The New York Times

NEGOTIATION CONCERNS With time running out, the N.B.A. is eager to intensify talks with its union.

The New York Times - Sports

The puck somehow deflected onto Jaromir Jagr's stick with time running out in a tight game.

The New York Times - Sports

With time running out, the Senate approved a Republican bill that omitted the stronger court oversight.

The New York Times

Time running out, he launched a shot that Griffin blocked by extending his arm.

The New York Times - Sports

With time running out, the Obama campaign is engaged in a house-by-house appeal.

The New York Times

"There's a sense of time running out and I like that dramatically," Warner says.

The Guardian - Books

Time running out for program designed to help preserve traditional crafts and practices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "time running out" with specific details about the situation to enhance its impact. For example, instead of just saying "time running out", provide details such as "With only five minutes left, time was running out."

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inconsistently when using "time running out". Ensure that the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent tense to prevent confusion and maintain clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time running out" functions as a situational modifier, often used to describe the circumstances surrounding an event or decision. It indicates a state of urgency or pressure due to limited time remaining. Ludwig confirms this use in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time running out" effectively conveys a sense of urgency and the pressure of approaching deadlines. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts, from news and sports to formal business settings. The phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig. While alternative phrases like "deadline approaching" or "clock is ticking" offer similar meanings, "time running out" remains a concise and impactful way to highlight critical moments and the need for swift action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running out of time

A slight rephrasing of the original query, but maintains the same meaning.

deadline approaching

Focuses specifically on the deadline getting closer.

clock is ticking

A more figurative way to express the passing of time and impending limit.

time is short

Emphasizes the limited amount of time remaining.

opportunity is fading

Highlights the diminishing chances of success.

window is closing

Suggests a limited period of opportunity.

time is of the essence

Indicates that time is a critical factor for success.

last chance

Emphasizes that there are no further opportunities.

eleventh hour

Refers to the latest possible time before something is due.

the end is near

A more dramatic way to describe something ending.

FAQs

How to use "time running out" in a sentence?

You can use "time running out" to indicate a situation where there is limited time left to complete a task or make a decision. For example, "With "time running out", they had to make a quick decision."

What can I say instead of "time running out"?

You can use alternatives like "deadline approaching", "clock is ticking", or "time is short depending on the context."

Which is correct, "time running out" or "times running out"?

"Time running out" is the correct and more common expression. "Times running out" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where you're referring to a diminishing amount of time. However, "times running out" might be used in very specific and unusual cases to indicate multiple instances of time expiring.

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

While both phrases are very similar in meaning, ""time running out"" often emphasizes the urgency and the impact of the diminishing time. "Running out of time" is a more general way to express that the available time is decreasing.