En 15 segundos
- Used when you are almost out of a supply.
- Commonly followed by the word 'on'.
- Signals a need to refill or restock soon.
Significado
This phrase describes the moment you realize you are almost out of something. It is that 'uh-oh' feeling when your supplies, time, or energy are about to disappear.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Checking the fridge
We are running low on milk, so I'll stop by the store.
Our milk is almost finished, so I will go to the store.
At the office
The printer is running low on ink again.
The printer's ink is nearly gone again.
Texting a friend about a phone battery
My phone is running low, so I might lose signal soon!
My battery is almost dead, I might lose connection!
Contexto cultural
The phrase 'running low on tea' is often used as a humorous hyperbole to describe a minor domestic disaster. In the US, 'running low' is frequently used in the context of 'gas' (petrol) due to the car-centric culture. In international business, 'running low on bandwidth' is a modern metaphor for not having the mental capacity or time to take on new tasks. In video game culture, players often shout 'running low' to teammates regarding 'ammo' or 'health' (HP).
The 'On' Rule
If you name the item, you MUST use 'on'. If you don't name the item, just say 'It's running low.'
Don't say 'Run Small'
Some learners say 'running small' for supplies. This is incorrect. 'Running small' is only used for clothing sizes (e.g., 'This shirt runs small').
En 15 segundos
- Used when you are almost out of a supply.
- Commonly followed by the word 'on'.
- Signals a need to refill or restock soon.
What It Means
Run low describes a state of depletion. It means you still have some of something, but not much. Think of a gas gauge dipping toward the red zone. You aren't totally empty yet, but you need to act soon. It is the perfect middle ground between 'full' and 'gone'.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with the word on. For example, you run low on coffee or time. You can also use it as a standalone statement about a supply. If the pantry is empty, you say the snacks are running low. It is a very active phrase. It suggests that the situation is changing right now.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to give a warning. It is great for grocery lists or office supplies. Use it at work when a deadline is approaching. Use it with friends when your phone battery is at 5%. It sounds natural in almost any daily conversation. It helps you sound proactive rather than panicked.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for people unless you mean their energy. You wouldn't say a person is running low to mean they are short in height. Also, avoid using it for things that don't have a quantity. You don't run low on a song or a movie. If you are completely out of something, use run out instead. Run low is only for when a little bit remains.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being prepared is highly valued. Using run low is a polite way to ask for more without being demanding. It signals that you are paying attention to your surroundings. It likely comes from old maritime or mechanical terms regarding fluid levels in tanks. It has been a staple of English idioms for over a century.
Common Variations
You will often hear running low for current situations. You might hear running on fumes if the situation is desperate. Another common one is low on [something]. For example, 'I am low on cash.' However, adding the word run makes it feel more like a process. It shows that the supply is actively disappearing.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any register. The most important grammatical rule is using the preposition 'on' when identifying the resource.
The 'On' Rule
If you name the item, you MUST use 'on'. If you don't name the item, just say 'It's running low.'
Don't say 'Run Small'
Some learners say 'running small' for supplies. This is incorrect. 'Running small' is only used for clothing sizes (e.g., 'This shirt runs small').
Use it for Patience
Saying 'My patience is running low' is a very natural, native-sounding way to warn someone you are getting annoyed.
Polite Requests
Use 'running low' to ask for things indirectly. 'We're running low on coffee' is more polite than 'Buy more coffee!'
Ejemplos
6We are running low on milk, so I'll stop by the store.
Our milk is almost finished, so I will go to the store.
A very common household use for food items.
The printer is running low on ink again.
The printer's ink is nearly gone again.
Professional way to report a maintenance issue.
My phone is running low, so I might lose signal soon!
My battery is almost dead, I might lose connection!
Commonly used for digital devices and batteries.
I think everyone's patience is running low right now.
I think everyone is losing their patience now.
Using the phrase for an abstract feeling or emotion.
I'm running low on hope, but I'm trying to stay positive.
My hope is fading, but I am trying to stay positive.
A more serious, emotional use of the phrase.
Excuse me, we are running low on water at this table.
Excuse me, our water is almost finished at this table.
A polite way to ask a server for a refill.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing preposition.
We are running low ___ coffee. Can you buy some?
The standard collocation is 'run low ON something.'
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence:
This follows the correct Subject + Verb + Adjective + Preposition + Noun pattern.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in an exam and there are only 2 minutes left. What do you say?
In an exam context, time is the resource that is being exhausted.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Do you want to go for a run?' B: 'I'd love to, but I'm _______ on steam today.'
'Running low on steam' is a common idiom for being tired.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Run Low vs. Run Out
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWe are running low ___ coffee. Can you buy some?
The standard collocation is 'run low ON something.'
Choose the most natural sentence:
This follows the correct Subject + Verb + Adjective + Preposition + Noun pattern.
You are in an exam and there are only 2 minutes left. What do you say?
In an exam context, time is the resource that is being exhausted.
A: 'Do you want to go for a run?' B: 'I'd love to, but I'm _______ on steam today.'
'Running low on steam' is a common idiom for being tired.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, if the context is clear. For example, if you are holding your phone, you can just say 'I'm running low.'
Almost. 'Running short' is slightly more common for time or money, while 'running low' is more common for physical supplies and batteries.
Yes, this is perfectly correct. You can either say 'We are running low on milk' or 'The milk is running low.'
Yes, it is neutral. In a very formal report, you might use 'depleting' or 'insufficient,' but 'running low' is fine for most business contexts.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase like 'running high' for supplies. You would just say 'We have plenty of...' or 'We are well-stocked.'
Only as a group resource. 'We are running low on staff' is okay. 'I am running low on my brother' makes no sense.
Usually, yes, because it implies a shortage. However, it's a 'helpful' warning rather than a disaster.
No. 'Low' acts as an adjective here. 'Lowly' means humble or of low status.
Yes, it is used globally in all major English dialects.
'Running low' sounds a bit more active or urgent. 'Getting low' is slightly more casual.
Frases relacionadas
run out
builds onTo have nothing left.
run short
synonymTo not have enough of something.
on its last legs
similarAbout to fail or stop working.
scrape the bottom of the barrel
similarTo use the very last, often worst, part of a supply.
