What does the phrasal verb “run out of” mean?

What are the definitions of “run out of”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Have none left.

  We've RUN OUT OF sugar; I'm going to the shops for some.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run out of”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run out of is to have none left of something or to use up a supply of something. It means that there is no more of a particular item or resource available.

What are the different verb forms of “run out of”?

Root Verb	run out of
Third Person Singular Present	runs out of
Present Participle	running out of
Simple Past	ran out of
Past Participle	run out of

Example

We run out of milk often because we drink a lot of coffee.

Example

She always runs out of printer ink at the worst times.

Example

We are running out of time to finish the project.

Example

Yesterday, they ran out of gas on the highway.

Example

We have run out of options for solving this problem.

What kind of phrasal verb is “run out of”?

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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 of” 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

We ran out of sugar.

Example

The store ran out of toilet paper during the sale.

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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 of” 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

We ran out of sugar.

Example

The store ran out of toilet paper during the sale.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run out of”?

Run out of steam

To lose energy, enthusiasm, or the ability to continue.

Example

After working on the project for hours, I ran out of steam and needed a break.

Run out of patience

To lose one's patience or become frustrated.

Example

I ran out of patience waiting for the bus to arrive.

Run out of time

To have no more time left to complete a task or meet a deadline.

Example

We ran out of time to finish the presentation before the meeting.

Good things to know

Does “run out of” have an informal or formal tone?

Run out of 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.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “run out of”?

Synonyms

• exhaust
• deplete
• consume
• drain
• use up
• finish
• empty

Antonyms

• replenish
• refill
• restock
• renew
• replace
• regain
• recover