When you want to describe a situation where there is nothing left of something, you can use the phrasal verb “run out.” If you have something, and then use all of it, you can put your self as the subject of the sentence and use this pattern: [someone] + runs out + of [something].

  • I ran out of eggs, so I need to go to the grocery store.
  • The deadline for finishing the project is 5pm. I hope we don’t run out of time.
  • The restaurant often runs out of lasagna. It’s their most popular dish.

You can also talk about something that has used up something. The structure is [something’s] + [something] runs out.

  • The battery on my iPhone runs out in about 4 hours.
  • I can’t ride my bicycle because the air in the tires ran out.
  • Joe couldn’t finish the race because the time ran out.

Does the battery on your cell phone run out quickly? Have you run out of something at home recently?

How about studying English with Michael or Jackie? We are available for private English lessons in New York, and online via Skype. Also, check out Michael’s newest book & audio podcasts, 109 Phrasal Verbs