SpeakUp

Meaning trap

run out of

use all of something up

to have none of something left because you have used it all

phrasal verbB1core

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

use all of something up

to have none of something left because you have used it all

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • We've run out of milk, can you grab some?general
  • I'm running out of time, I need to send this now.general

Fix the pattern

Pattern: run out of + noun

WrongI've run out sugar again.

RightI've run out of sugar again.

Keep 'of' before the thing — 'run out of sugar', not 'run out sugar'.

Patternrun out of + noun

Don't confuse it

'Run out of' = none left; 'run low on' = nearly gone but some remains.

Try it in Daily Speak →