in the running

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   having a real chance to win a competition or be chosen for something

   Grammar: Used after verbs like 'be', 'remain', or 'stay': She is still in the running.

   Patterns

   • be in the running
   • be in the running for something
   • remain in the running
   • stay in the running

   After the first round of voting, three candidates are still in the running.

   Our team is in the running for the championship this year.

   Even though she lost the first match, she remains in the running for a medal.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   able to be considered or chosen for a job, prize, or honor

   Grammar: Often used with 'for': He is in the running for the manager's job.

   Patterns

   • be in the running for something
   • put someone in the running
   • keep someone in the running

   Her latest novel is in the running for the national book award.

   The new policy put the company in the running for a government contract.

   Several local artists are in the running for the public art project.

Common combinations

still in the running

Despite the injury, the runner is still in the running for a place in the final.

in the running for a prize

Her short film is in the running for a prize at the festival.

in the running for a job

After the interview, he felt he was in the running for the job.

remain in the running

The underdog team remains in the running after a surprise win.

put someone in the running

That impressive presentation put her in the running for the promotion.

Synonyms and how they differ

in contention

More formal; often used in sports or politics for someone competing for a prize or position.

in the hunt

Informal and slightly more active; suggests actively chasing a goal, often in sports.

a contender

A noun for a person or thing that is in the running; it names the competitor, not the state.

Opposites

Word family

running noun

The activity or sport of running, as in 'Running is good exercise.'

runner noun

A person or animal that runs, especially in a race.

run verb

To move quickly on foot; also to compete in a race or election.

Commonly confused: in the running or on the run?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in the running”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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