run

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To move on foot with quick steps, faster than walking, with both feet off the ground at moments.

   Grammar: No object for simple movement; often run somewhere or run to do something.

   Patterns

   • run somewhere
   • run to do something
   • run fast/slowly

   I run in the park before work.

   She ran to catch the bus.

   The children ran across the field laughing.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To manage, direct, or be responsible for an organization, event, or activity.

   Grammar: Takes an object: run a business, run a meeting, run a campaign.

   Patterns

   • run a business
   • run a meeting
   • run an experiment

   Her aunt runs a bakery near the station.

   He runs weekly training sessions for new volunteers.

   The lab runs safety tests every month.

3. 3verbintransitive

   To work or operate, especially when talking about machines, systems, or programs.

   Grammar: No object; describes the thing working: the engine runs well.

   Patterns

   • run smoothly
   • run on something
   • run continuously

   The old engine still runs beautifully.

   The app runs better after the update.

   The heater runs all night during the coldest weeks.

Word forms

Common combinations

run a business

They run a small bookshop together.

run smoothly

The event ran smoothly despite the rain.

run out of time

We ran out of time before the final question.

run a race

He is running a race for charity next weekend.

run on electricity

The pump runs on solar power.

Synonyms and how they differ

jog

Jog is steady, gentle running for exercise; run covers any faster foot movement.

manage

Manage fits the business or organization sense; it does not mean moving on foot.

operate

Operate works for machines and systems, but is less natural for moving quickly on foot.

function

Function is formal and limited to working correctly, especially of systems or organs.

Opposites

Word family

runner noun

A person or thing that runs; also a narrow strip or messenger in other senses.

running noun

The activity of running; also continuous management or operation.

runny adjective

More liquid than usual, as in a runny nose.

rerun noun or verb

A repeated broadcast or event; as a verb, to show or do again.

Commonly confused: run or ran?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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