jog

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To run at a slow, steady pace, typically for exercise or fitness.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by an adverbial phrase like 'along the river' or 'for 20 minutes'.

   Patterns

   • jog along something
   • jog for an amount of time
   • jog around a place

   I jog along the river every morning before work.

   She jogs for half an hour to stay fit.

   They jogged around the park twice.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To push or nudge someone or something slightly, especially to attract attention or stir a memory.

   Grammar: Takes an object: jog someone's elbow, jog someone's memory.

   Patterns

   • jog someone's memory
   • jog someone's elbow
   • jog something loose

   Let me jog your memory: you were wearing a blue coat.

   He jogged my elbow, and I spilled the coffee.

   The old photograph jogged memories of childhood.

3. 3nounsingular

   A slow run taken for exercise.

   Grammar: Usually singular; often used with 'go for a' or 'have a'.

   Patterns

   • go for a jog
   • have a jog
   • a morning jog

   I went for a jog in the park.

   A quick jog before breakfast wakes me up.

Word forms

Common combinations

jog someone's memory

The name jogged my memory, and I remembered the face.

go for a jog

We went for a jog along the beach.

jog along

She jogged along the path at a steady pace.

jog in place

The trainer told us to jog in place for a minute.

Synonyms and how they differ

run

Faster and more general; 'jog' suggests a gentle, steady pace.

trot

Used more for animals or a quick, short-stepped walk; less common for human exercise.

nudge

A light push, especially with the elbow; 'jog' can also mean a gentle shake or push.

Opposites

Word family

jogger noun

A person who jogs regularly.

jogging noun

The activity of running slowly for exercise.

Commonly confused: jog or jug?

Practice

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