Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding ‘Run Out of’ - Meaning, Use, and Origin

📖 Definition

To 'run out of' means to deplete a supply or stock of something needed or desired, commonly resulting in a shortage or lack.

Examples in context

During the long siege, the defenders began to run out of ammunition.
She realized she'd run out of energy before the race was even halfway over.
By the end of the trip, we had run out of cash completely.

📖 Definition

To 'run out of' means to deplete a supply or stock of something needed or desired, commonly resulting in a shortage or lack.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb cannot be split with the object placed between.

Neutral

It's used in both formal and informal contexts as it describes a common situation.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object, such as supplies, time, or patience.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	run out of	They run out of patience when the meeting drags on.
Past Simple	ran out of	We ran out of sugar while making cookies.
Present Continuous	running out of	We are running out of options for resolving the issue.
Present Perfect	have run out of	They have run out of money for the project.

💡 When to Use

Resource shortage

Use when describing a lack or depletion of critical resources, like food or water, needed for survival or success.

Example: "We run out of medical supplies during the emergency."

Time expiration

Applied when time allocated for a task or event finishes before completion, often jeopardizing the outcome.

Example: "She ran out of time to finish the exam."

Emotional exhaustion

Used to express a complete depletion of emotional capacity, such as patience or energy.

Example: "I've run out of patience with this situation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: They run sugar out of too quickly.

✅ Correct: They run out of sugar too quickly.

💡 Tip: The object must follow 'run out of' as a unit.

Wrong tense usage

❌ Wrong: They run out of supplies last month.

✅ Correct: They ran out of supplies last month.

💡 Tip: Match the verb tense with the timing of the action.

Misusing as separable

❌ Wrong: We run the options out of.

✅ Correct: We run out of options.

💡 Tip: Keep 'run out of' together with its object.

Practice

RUN OUT OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

During the long siege, the defenders began to run out of ammunition.
Tiny Houses Hub: Minimalism Philosophy
2
Listen to example

She realized she'd run out of energy before the race was even halfway over.
Tiny Houses Hub: Minimalism Philosophy
3
Listen to example

By the end of the trip, we had run out of cash completely.
Tiny Houses Hub: Minimalism Philosophy

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

deplete exhaust

Antonyms

replenish

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After a long day, we've ___ out of patience."

ran

run out of

runs

running

"In life’s journey, when we run out of time or resources, we often gain wisdom and learn to value what remains."

In Context

In 1914, Ernest Shackleton embarked on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition aboard the Endurance with a crew of 28, aiming to be the first to cross Antarctica. Disaster struck when the ship became trapped in pack ice, and after months of being lodged in the freezing wasteland, they ran out of supplies. Shackleton was faced with the daunting task of ensuring his crew's survival on the dwindling resources. With fierce determination, he managed to lead 5 of his men through treacherous conditions in a lifeboat to South Georgia, covering over 1,300 kilometers in open sea. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew, isolated and stranded, anxiously awaited their rescue, as they ran out of hope with each passing day. Eventually, Shackleton succeeded in securing a vessel for their rescue, returning four months later to the joy and relief of his men, not having lost a single life. This remarkable feat of leadership and endurance remains a testament to courage in the face of adversity when resources and chances seemed to run out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Run Out Of

What is the origin of 'run out of'?

The phrasal verb originates from Middle English usage, combining 'run' as a verb of motion and 'out of' indicating depletion, commonly appearing in both nautical and resource management contexts historically.

Can 'run out of' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'run out of' is versatile, suitable for a range of settings due to its clear description of a universal condition: lacking resources, time, or patience across personal and professional scenarios.

What is the difference between 'run out of' and 'deplete'?

'Run out of' implies complete exhaustion of a supply, often unexpectedly. 'Deplete' suggests a more gradual use, often implying responsible or foreseen consumption until little or none remains.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

RUN OUT OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Run Out Of

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega