Phrasal verb
run out
Meanings
to use all of something so that none remains
to have no more time left before a deadline or event
to reach the end of a valid period and no longer be in effect
Definition
To run out means to use all of something so that none is left.
When you run out of something, you have used it all and there is none left. People often use it for supplies like food, money, or time. It can also mean that an official document or agreement reaches its end date and is no longer valid.
Examples
- I ran out of coffee, so I stopped at the store on my way to work.
- You will run out of time if you keep restarting the assignment.
- She ran out of patience during the long meeting.
- They ran out of gas on a quiet road and had to call for help.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the preposition and say "run out" when they need "run out of" before the thing that is finished.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.