Run out of

Definition

The phrase 'run out of' means to deplete a supply or to exhaust resources, indicating that something is no longer available. This term connects to verb phrases and phrasal verbs, showcasing how it combines a verb ('run') with a preposition ('out of') to create a specific meaning that differs from the individual words.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Run out of' is commonly used in both spoken and written English, making it an important phrasal verb for everyday communication.
2. It can refer to tangible items, such as food or money, as well as intangible resources like time or energy.
3. The structure of 'run out of' typically involves an object, as in 'run out of milk' or 'run out of time,' indicating what has been depleted.
4. The phrase can be used in various tenses, such as 'ran out of' in the past tense or 'will run out of' in the future tense, demonstrating its flexibility.
5. 'Run out of' can also be employed in idiomatic expressions, adding color and emphasis to conversations about scarcity or urgency.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'run out of' illustrate the function of phrasal verbs in English?
  • 'Run out of' exemplifies how phrasal verbs combine a main verb with a particle to create new meanings that aren't easily derived from the individual components. In this case, 'run' and 'out of' together indicate the action of depleting resources. Understanding such phrases is crucial for grasping nuanced meanings in everyday language and highlights the importance of context in verb usage.
• Discuss how 'run out of' can be used in different contexts to convey urgency or scarcity.
  • 'Run out of' can be effectively used in various contexts, such as grocery shopping ('I ran out of milk') or time management ('We're running out of time'). In these examples, the phrase conveys urgency by indicating that something necessary is no longer available. This expression allows speakers to communicate the immediacy and impact of depleting resources on their activities or decisions.
• Evaluate the significance of understanding phrasal verbs like 'run out of' for improving fluency in English communication.
  • Grasping phrasal verbs such as 'run out of' is vital for enhancing fluency because these expressions are prevalent in everyday conversation. They convey meanings that often can't be understood through direct translation, making them essential for effective communication. Moreover, using phrasal verbs correctly can enrich speech and writing, allowing speakers to express ideas more naturally and connect better with native speakers.

Related terms

exhaust: To use up a resource completely, often leading to a state of depletion.

deplete: To reduce something in quantity or value, often referring to natural resources or supplies.

run low on: To approach a state where supplies are nearly depleted but not entirely gone.