what were you out of vs What did you run out of

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What did you run out of?' is the more common and natural way to ask someone what they have finished or depleted. 'What were you out of?' could be used in a specific context where you are referring to a past situation where someone was lacking something.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 712 views

This phrase is correct but less common. It could be used in a specific context to refer to a past situation where someone was lacking something.

"what were you out of"

This phrase could be used to inquire about what someone was lacking in a past situation. It is less commonly used compared to 'What did you run out of?'

Show examples from the web [+]

Oct 14, 2015 ... What? Were you out of town? Your cat get sick? Well, let me guess. You don't start fires anymore. You been rehabilitated. Yeah, I done it before ...
What, were you out of duct tape? Seriously though, I hope you are better already and quickly on the mend. Go to Top of Page ...
[–]WhosThatGirl_ItsRPSG 2 points3 points4 points 5 hours ago (0 children). What were you out of town for? Do you live with your parents still? I'm sorry you have ...
Mar 13, 2006 ... by st1d ( 218383 ) writes: on Monday March 13, 2006 @12:19PM (#14908137) Homepage. What, were you out of batteries for your cattle prod?

Alternatives:

What did you run out of?

This phrase is correct and commonly used to ask someone what they have finished or depleted.

"What did you run out of"

This phrase is commonly used to inquire about what someone has finished or depleted. It is the more natural way to ask this question.

Show examples from the web [+]

... Sumner: [talking about Val's attempted suicide] Olivia, something terrible has happened. Olivia Cunningham Dyer: What? Did you run out of eye make-up?
Jan 3, 2007 ... What, did you run out of pictures, or something?. Read more. Show less. Reply 1 2. Faoneus _1 month ago. Judging by how many comments ...
Dec 29, 2012 ... What, did you run out of pictures?. Read more. Show less. 1. Pastor Gainezz2 years ago. ill bill wrote the song about the columbine shooting.
... well, the great and glorious Green Lantern. What, did you run out of alien menaces to beat on, you have to horn in on my turf? Green Lantern: You're welcome.

Alternatives:

What were you out of?

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what were you out of vs What did you run out of