What are the definitions of “run out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To be used up or exhausted.
Luck which could continue indefinitely, or run out at any time.
- 2To expire or come to an end.
My contract runs out next July.
- 3To expire or reach the end of validity.
When does your passport run out?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run out is to be used up or exhausted. It means that there is no more of something left because it has all been used or consumed. For example, it can refer to running out of time, food, or money.
What are the different verb forms of “run out”?
| Root Verb | run out |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs out |
| Present Participle | running out |
| Simple Past | ran out |
| Past Participle | run out |
Example
We need to buy more milk because we ran out.
Example
She always runs out of time before finishing her work.
Example
We are running out of food, so we need to go shopping.
Example
Yesterday, they ran out of gas on the highway.
Example
The supplies have run out, so we need to restock.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“run out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
Time is running out for us to finish the project.
Example
The battery on my phone ran out quickly.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“run out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
Time is running out for us to finish the project.
Example
The battery on my phone ran out quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run out”?
Good things to know
Does “run out” have an informal or formal tone?
Run out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business meetings or academic discussions.
