tire out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tire out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has become physically or mentally exhausted. For example, "The marathon runner was completely tire out after running 26 miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have also "prescribed" exercise as the station's doctor, to tire out crew members who have found themselves battling insomnia, a feature of living through the Antarctic winter.

The New York Times

Securing the reptile's jaws with his hands, he said, he waits for the alligator to wriggle violently and then tire out before hauling it onto a sand pit.

The New York Times

Just as my leg began to tire out from pushing, a small sedan turned the corner behind me and began to trail me.

The New York Times

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Tex). tweeted "#Rope-a-dope," referencing a boxing strategy of trying to tire out opponents by making them consistently go on offense.

The Washington Post

Overlapping leisure and work time can also tire out your brain and increase stress.

Forbes

They will undoubtedly bring up other arguments in as many markets as possible to tire out Aereo.

TechCrunch

Mobile devices are also a temptation to multitask (which is less efficient than single-tasking) and literally tire out the brain.

Forbes

Would I tire out once I hit the park?

Huffington Post

In a situation like mine, I tire out easily.

Huffington Post

USC will find playing fast can tire out your defense as much as your opponent's.

Los Angeles Times

I usually tire out before my 78 year old mother, who can shop circles around me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing activities intended to induce sleep, use "tire out" to suggest a gentle exhaustion rather than an overwhelming one. For example, "A gentle walk can help tire out the mind before bed".

Common error

Avoid using "tire out" when you mean to convey severe exhaustion or incapacitation. Alternatives like "incapacitate" or "debilitate" may be more appropriate in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tire out" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring an object (the person or thing being tired). It describes the act of causing someone or something to become weary or exhausted, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "tire out" is a versatile and frequently used expression that means to cause someone or something to become exhausted, whether physically or mentally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to news reports. Its neutral register makes it widely applicable, and it is often found in News & Media. Remember to use "tire out" when describing a general state of exhaustion and consider alternatives like "exhaust" or "wear out" to reflect different intensities of fatigue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exhaust

Shorter, more direct synonym for making someone very tired.

Wear out

Implies a gradual loss of energy over time, similar to "tire out".

Fatigue

A more formal term for causing someone to feel extremely weary.

Weary

To make someone feel tired and less enthusiastic.

Drain

Suggests a complete loss of energy, as if something is being emptied.

Deplete

To reduce the amount of something, especially energy or resources.

Sap energy

To gradually weaken or reduce someone's vitality.

Leave someone prostrate

Suggests a state of physical exhaustion to the point of being unable to function.

Overwork

To cause someone to be tired by making them work too hard.

Knackered

British slang for extremely tired.

FAQs

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

You can use "tire out" to describe the act of making someone or something exhausted. For example, "The long hike really tired me out", or "Playing fetch all afternoon will tire out the dog".

What are some alternatives to "tire out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exhaust", "wear out", or "fatigue".

Is it better to use "tire out" or "wear out"?

Both "tire out" and "wear out" are similar, but "wear out" often implies a more gradual process of becoming exhausted, while "tire out" can be more immediate. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific situation you're describing.

Can "tire out" be used for both physical and mental exhaustion?

Yes, "tire out" can be used to describe both physical and mental exhaustion. For example, "The intense workout tired me out physically", or "The complex problem tired me out mentally".