Meaning
use up the supply or amount completely
Primary Function
expressing depletion or shortage
Communicative Purpose
to indicate that something has become exhausted or unavailable
Pattern
run out of
Core Structure
run out of
Função primária
expressing depletion or shortage
Propósito comunicativo
to indicate that something has become exhausted or unavailable
Situações de gatilho
running low on supplies (e.g., coffee, milk), time limits, budget constraints
Contextos
everyday conversation, business/professional settings, emergency situations
Padrão
run out of
Estrutura central
run out of
Slots de substituição
time, money, milk, patience, options
Colocados típicos
- patience
- time is running out
- nearly
- completely
Substituições comuns
- use up
- exhaust
- deplete
Erros comuns
'I ran out from milk' → correct: 'I ran out of milk'
Similar / contraste
run short of; give out (supply exhausted)
Interferências
cannot be separated as two verbs; the preposition ‘of’ must follow directly after ‘out’
Família do chunk
- run-out (noun in cricket)
Nuance
‘Run out of time’ signals a deadline approaching; ‘run out of patience’ indicates frustration due to prolonged waiting.
Efeito pragmático
conveys urgency, complaint, or warning that action is needed before depletion occurs.
Dica de memória
run out
Nota
The phrasal verb 'run out' is often used in everyday language to express the idea of something being completely used up or exhausted. It is important to remember that 'run out' is a semi-fixed phrase, meaning it can be used in different contexts but it always requires the preposition 'of' when referring to a specific item or resource. Misuse of prepositions or attempting to separate the verb 'run' from 'out' can lead to common mistakes, such as using 'run out from' instead of 'run out of'.
Upgrade path
run out of steam
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