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 and Using the Phrasal Verb 'Run Out'

📖 Definition

To 'run out' means to be depleted or exhausted, referring to resources, time, or stock. It emphasizes the end of availability.

Examples in context

By halftime, the team realized they were running out of strategies to counter the opponent.
Once the power ran out, the entire neighborhood plunged into darkness.
Business owners feared they would run out of inventory before the holiday season rush ended.

📖 Definition

To 'run out' means to be depleted or exhausted, referring to resources, time, or stock. It emphasizes the end of availability.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrasal verb cannot be split by modifiers.

Neutral

Commonly used in both informal and formal contexts.

Transitive

It does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	run out	The ink in my pen is about to run out.
Past Simple	ran out	During the blackout, our candles ran out quickly.
Present Continuous	running out	We're running out of time to meet the deadline.
Present Perfect	have run out	By the evening, they had run out of all their supplies.

💡 When to Use

Limited resources

When something is no longer available, like food or materials, use it to denote exhaustion of stock.

Example: "We ran out of paper during the printing session."

Pending deadlines

Use it when there is limited time remaining to complete a task or project.

Example: "I am running out of time to finish my assignment."

Energy depletion

Appropriate when someone’s physical or mental energy is nearly exhausted.

Example: "After the marathon, she felt like she had run out of energy."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong preposition usage

❌ Wrong: They have run out from fuel.

✅ Correct: They have run out of fuel.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'of' follows 'run out'.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: We are ran out of options.

✅ Correct: We have run out of options.

💡 Tip: Use present perfect for actions completed recently.

Missing subject

❌ Wrong: Ran out of ideas.

✅ Correct: He ran out of ideas.

💡 Tip: Always include a subject in a complete sentence.

Practice

RUN OUT - 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

By halftime, the team realized they were running out of strategies to counter the opponent.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Once the power ran out, the entire neighborhood plunged into darkness.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Business owners feared they would run out of inventory before the holiday season rush ended.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

deplete exhaust

Antonyms

replenish

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"As the deadline approached, we started to ___ out of time."

fall

run out

reach

take

"Life's true wealth isn't in material goods, but in moments that never run out; cherish them as they remain infinite."

In Context

During the harsh winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge, General George Washington faced a daunting challenge. Supplies were dangerously low, and food began to run out, threatening the very survival of his Continental Army. As the bitter cold intensified, the soldiers' clothing wore thin, and morale plummeted. Washington knew the paramount importance of replenishing his men’s spirit and resources. Relying on the resilience and determination of his leadership, he sent desperate appeals to Congress, aware that if supplies continued to run out, his troops would be too weakened to continue the fight for American independence. The situation was bleak, and yet, despite the adversities, Washington encouraged his men to hold on, focusing on small victories such as improving camp sanitation and sustaining their fighting spirit through rigorous training under Baron von Steuben. As spring approached, the situation began to change. Supplies began to trickle in, preventing the complete run out that had seemed imminent just months before. With renewed strength and resolve, Washington and his reinvigorated army emerged from Valley Forge, ready to face the battles ahead, their endurance during this crisis becoming a legendary tale of perseverance that would strengthen the foundations of a future nation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Run Out

What is the origin of run out?

The phrasal verb 'run out' dates back to the late 16th century, initially used in the sense of 'to come to an end,' often figuratively applied to resources.

Can run out be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Run out' is versatile and broadly used in both formal and informal settings, making it suitable for everyday conversation as well as academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between run out and deplete?

'Run out' generally implies the complete exhaustion of a resource, while 'deplete' suggests a gradual reduction that might not necessarily reach emptiness.

Browse All National Parks 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 - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Run Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega