Tire Out – Meaning and Examples
After a long hike, playing with kids all afternoon, or studying for hours, you might feel completely exhausted. In English, we often say “I’m tired out” or “That game really tired me out.” The phrasal verb tire out is used all the time to describe deep physical or mental exhaustion. Whether you’re talking about yourself or someone else, knowing how to use it makes your English sound more natural.
What Does “Tire Out” Mean?
“Tire out” means to become very tired—or to make someone else very tired. Think of it like using up all your energy until there’s nothing left. It’s not just “a little sleepy”—it’s that heavy, can’t-move feeling after a big effort. And remember: it’s not literal, like “tiring a shoe out.” It’s about energy, not objects.
When to Use It
Use “tire out” in everyday conversations like:
- With family: “The puppy tired out the kids by noon.”
- At school or work: “This project is going to tire me out.”
- Describing your day: “I walked 10 miles—I’m totally tired out!”
It’s informal to neutral—perfect for speaking with friends, family, or coworkers. Avoid it in formal writing like reports or essays.
Example Sentences
- I played soccer all morning and completely tired myself out.
- Don’t let the baby tire you out—take breaks!
- That long exam really tired out the whole class.
- We hiked up the mountain and came home tired out.
Mini Dialogue
Lena: “Why are you sleeping so early?”
Raj: “I helped my brother move apartments—it totally tired me out!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use it for machines or things: “My phone tired out.” (Wrong!)
✅ Do use it for people (or sometimes animals): “The dog tired out after chasing the ball.”
Practice Tip
Practice Tip
After a busy day, say out loud: “I’m so tired out!” or “That really tired me out.” It’ll start feeling natural fast.
Final Note
Now you can use “tire out” like a confident English speaker! Everyone gets worn out sometimes—now you have the right words to describe it. Keep using it in real life, and soon it’ll come without thinking. Great job—you’re doing wonderfully!
