Many students feel frustrated because they use the same basic words over and over again. If you want to stop feeling stuck, try learning another root verb, RUN.
Most people learn that “run” means to move quickly on your feet. However, in the world of phrasal verbs, run is a very flexible word. It describes how we manage our time, how we meet people, and even how our computers work.
By the end of this guide, you will have 12 new ways to express yourself like a native speaker.
1. Run out of
This is perhaps the most important phrase on this list. You will use it almost every day.
- Meaning: To have no more of something left (like milk, money, or time).
- Example: I cannot make coffee because we have run out of milk.
- Example: Hurry up! We are running out of time before the train leaves.
2. Run into
- Meaning: To meet someone you know by accident or chance.
- Example: You will not believe who I ran into at the supermarket today!
- Example: I hope I do not run into my old boss while I am on vacation.
3. Run away
- Meaning: To leave a place or a situation because you are unhappy or scared.
- Example: The cat ran away when it heard the loud noise of the fireworks.
- Example: You cannot just run away from your problems. You need to solve them.
4. Run over
- Meaning 1: To hit something or someone with a car or bicycle.
- Example: Please be careful when you drive so you do not run over any animals.
- Meaning 2: To go past a time limit.
- Example: The meeting ran over by fifteen minutes, so I was late for lunch.
5. Run through
- Meaning: To quickly explain or practice something from start to finish.
- Example: Let us run through the plan one more time before the presentation starts.
6. Run on
- Meaning: To use a specific type of power or energy to work.
- Example: This toy runs on three small batteries.
- Example: My old car runs on diesel, not petrol.
7. Run after
- Meaning: To chase someone or something.
- Example: The little boy ran after the colorful ball when it went into the street.
8. Run back
- Meaning: To return somewhere quickly or to repeat a video or audio clip.
- Example: Can you run that back? I did not hear what the person in the video said.
9. Run along
- Meaning: A slightly old fashioned way to tell someone (usually a child) to leave.
- Example: I am busy right now, so please run along and play outside.
10. Run behind
- Meaning: To be late or to be slower than your schedule.
- Example: I am sorry I am late. The buses are running behind today because of the snow.
11. Run by
- Meaning: To tell someone an idea so they can give you their opinion.
- Example: I have a new idea for the website. Can I run it by you later today?
12. Run up
- Meaning: To create a large bill or debt quickly.
- Example: He ran up a huge bill at the hotel by ordering expensive room service every night.
Using ‘Run’ in the Office
In the world of Business English, the word run is very common. We use it to talk about managing things. If you run a meeting, you are the leader of that meeting. If you run a department, you are the boss.
If you want to learn more professional phrases, visit our Phrasal Verbs for Business English page.
Using “Run” in Daily Conversations
In daily conversations, a native speaker might use the verb run many times without even thinking about it. Below is a example of using run to explain different situations:
Imagine you are talking to a friend about your busy morning. You might say, “I am so sorry I missed your call! My morning was crazy. I almost ran over a cat while driving to the store because I was running behind schedule. When I finally got to the supermarket, I realized I had run out of cash, so I had to find a bank. The best part of my day was when I ran into our old teacher, Mr. Smith, near the park!”
Conclusion
You have just learned how to use the verb run in 12 different ways. By learning the root verb, you are building a strong foundation for your English. Do not worry if you do not remember all of them today. Language learning takes time and patience.
Keep learning by checking out our other root verb guides.
