What Does “Run out of Steam” Mean and How to Use It in IELTS?

Understanding idiomatic expressions like “Run Out Of Steam” can be crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam, especially in the speaking and writing sections. This article will delve into the idiom “run out of steam,” including its meaning, usage, and related expressions. We’ll provide detailed examples to help you understand and apply this idiom effectively in your IELTS preparation.

Understanding “Run out of Steam”

Meaning and Pronunciation

The idiom “run out of steam” (rʌn aʊt əv stiːm) is a colloquial expression meaning to lose energy, enthusiasm, or motivation to continue a task. This idiom draws from the concept of steam engines that lose power when they run out of steam.

Synonyms:

1. Lose momentum
2. Get tired
3. Burn out
4. Fatigue
5. Wear out

Antonyms:

1. Energize
2. Revitalize
3. Refresh
4. Rejuvenate
5. Perk up

Examples in Context

1. Speaking Test:

   • Candidate: “I was working on my project non-stop for weeks, but eventually, I ran out of steam and had to take a break.”
   • Examiner: “I see. And what did you do to regain your energy?”

2. Writing Test:

   • Task 2: “Many students run out of steam by the end of their school year, which affects their academic performance. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon and suggest possible solutions.”

Run Out of Steam Illustration

Frequency in IELTS Tests

The idiom “run out of steam” may not appear directly in all IELTS tests, but understanding and using idiomatic expressions can significantly boost your band score, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. This idiom can be particularly useful when discussing topics such as personal experiences, challenges, and overcoming fatigue or burnout.

Examples in IELTS Context

1. Speaking Part 1:

   • Examiner: “Can you tell me about a time when you felt particularly stressed?”
   • Candidate: “Yes, during my final exams last year, I was studying so hard that I almost ran out of steam.”

2. Writing Task 2:

   • Prompt: “Some people believe that modern life is becoming more stressful. Discuss the causes and suggest ways to solve this problem.”
   • Example: “One primary cause of stress is the demanding nature of modern jobs. Employees often work long hours and eventually run out of steam.”

Sample Writing and Speaking Exercises

To illustrate how to use “run out of steam” effectively, let’s take a look at some tailored exercises.

Writing Exercise

Topic: “In today’s competitive world, many people experience burnout. Discuss the causes and effects of burnout, and suggest ways to manage it.”

Sample Answer:
“In the contemporary world, burnout has become a pervasive issue. The term ‘burnout’ describes a scenario where individuals run out of steam due to prolonged stress and overwork. This phenomenon is particularly common among professionals who face relentless pressure to meet deadlines. The effects of burnout are far-reaching, impacting both mental and physical health. To combat burnout, it is crucial to promote work-life balance and encourage regular breaks to rejuvenate one’s energy.”

Speaking Part 2 Cue Card

Prompt: “Describe a time when you were very tired or exhausted.”

Sample Answer:
“One significant instance when I was extremely tired was during my university finals. I had a massive amount of material to study within a limited timeframe. Despite my best efforts, by the third week, I felt I had run out of steam. My concentration waned, and I needed to take some time off to recharge. After a short break, I managed to bounce back and finish my preparations.”

Collocations and Related Expressions

Understanding idiomatic expressions also involves knowing how they collocate with other words and phrases. Below are a few collocations with “run out of steam” and related expressions.

1. Run out of steam + “after” + (period): “She ran out of steam after two hours of intense studying.”
2. Completely ran out of steam: “He started the project with enthusiasm but completely ran out of steam halfway through.”
3. “Feel like you have run out of steam“: “By the end of the semester, many students feel like they have run out of steam.”

Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Run out of Steam”

1. Hit the wall: “During the marathon, I felt like I had hit the wall around mile 20.”
2. Burn out: “Many corporate employees burn out due to excessive workload.”
3. Lose momentum: “Our campaign lost momentum after the initial enthusiasm faded.”
4. Get tired: “She got tired of waiting and eventually left.”
5. Fatigue: “By the end of the journey, the team was experiencing severe fatigue.”

Conclusion

The idiom “run out of steam” is a versatile expression that can be effectively used in both the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS exam. By understanding its meaning, usage, and related expressions, you can enhance your language skills and improve your performance in the test.

For more tips on preparing for the IELTS exam, you can explore these resources:

• What do you know about the food you eat?
• How to answer “What is your favorite food?” questions
• Which food do you like eating?

Happy studying and best of luck on your IELTS journey!