was out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was out of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is no longer available or present. Here is an example sentence: "I tried to buy a new laptop, but unfortunately, my preferred model was out of stock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Mao" was out of the question, though.

The New York Times

Abercrombie was out of touch.

The New Yorker

"Martin was out of it".

The New York Times

"It was out of control".

The New York Times

Inflation was out of control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vann was out of luck.

The New Yorker

He was out of touch.

The New Yorker

I was out of there.

The New York Times

He was out of time.

The New Yorker

He was out of there".

The New Yorker

"He was out of money.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was out of" to clearly indicate that something is no longer available, in stock, or within reach. This can apply to physical items, abstract concepts, or locations. For example, "The store was out of milk", "He was out of ideas", or "She was out of town".

Common error

Avoid using "was out of" when a more direct verb would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of saying "The project was out of control", consider using "The project spiraled out of control".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was out of" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of the predicate of a sentence. It indicates a state of being where something is absent, depleted, or no longer available. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was out of" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express a state of absence, depletion, or unavailability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "was out of", ensure it clearly conveys the lack of something, whether a physical item or a state of being, and consider more direct phrasing if greater clarity is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ran out of

Focuses on the depletion of a resource or supply, implying a state of being without.

was devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence of something, highlighting a lack of a particular quality or item.

was lacking in

Highlights a deficiency in a specific area or aspect, indicating an insufficiency.

was without

Indicates the absence of something necessary or expected, showing a state of being deprived.

was not available

States that something is not accessible or obtainable, indicating a temporary or permanent lack.

had no

Directly expresses the absence of something, indicating a lack of possession or availability.

was absent from

Highlights the non-presence of someone or something in a specific location or situation.

was beyond reach

Implies that something is unattainable or inaccessible, indicating a limit or barrier.

was not in

Indicates that someone is not present at a specific location or time.

was out of bounds

Suggests that something is prohibited or not allowed, indicating a restriction.

FAQs

How can I use "was out of" in a sentence?

The phrase "was out of" indicates a lack or absence. You can use it to describe unavailability, such as "The store "was out of" bread", or a state of being, such as "He "was out of" breath".

What can I say instead of "was out of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ran out of", "was lacking in", or "was devoid of", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "was out of" or "is out of"?

Both phrases are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "Was out of" refers to a past state, while "is out of" refers to a present state. For example, "The book "was out of" print last year", versus "The book "is out of" print now".

What's the difference between "was out of" and "went out of"?

"Was out of" indicates a state of absence or depletion, whereas "went out of" suggests a transition or change from one state to another. For instance, "The milk "was out of" date", compared to "The company went out of business".