- Do you ever hesitate, wondering if you should “run a business” or “make a business”?
- Are you confused about when something “runs into trouble” versus “meets trouble”?
- Do you want to sound more natural and fluent, just like a native speaker, when using the versatile word “run”?
Mastering English collocations isn’t just about memorizing pairs of words; it’s about unlocking true fluency, sounding authentic, and expressing yourself with confidence. Collocations are the natural word partnerships that make your English sound right to native ears, helping you communicate precisely and avoid misunderstandings. Let’s dive into the world of “run” and discover its most common and crucial partners!
Common Collocations with RUN as a Verb
As a verb, “run” is incredibly dynamic, describing everything from physical movement to managing operations, causing events, or the flow of things. Let’s explore its essential partners.
To Manage or Operate
These collocations describe the act of controlling, directing, or operating something.
- run a business/company/organization: To manage and operate an enterprise.
“She decided to run her own business after years of working for others.”
- run an experiment/a test: To conduct a scientific or practical trial.
“The scientists are going to run a new experiment to verify their findings.”
- run a campaign: To organize and carry out a series of activities to achieve a goal, often political or advertising.
“The politician is busy running a campaign for the upcoming elections.”
- run a household: To manage the day-to-day affairs of a home.
“It takes a lot of effort to run a large household efficiently.”
To Function or Flow
These phrases describe how systems, processes, or even emotions behave.
- run smoothly: To operate without problems or difficulties.
“After the upgrades, the software started to run smoothly.”
- run out of something: To use up or deplete a supply of something.
“We need to go shopping; we’re about to run out of milk.”
- run high: (Emotions/feelings) To be very strong or intense.
“Tensions were running high before the final match.”
- run dry: (Rivers, wells, supplies) To stop having water or supplies.
“During the drought, many local rivers began to run dry.”
- run in the family: (A trait or characteristic) To be common among members of a family.
“Musical talent seems to run in their family; everyone plays an instrument.”
To Cause, Encounter, or Incur
These collocations often involve facing challenges or experiencing certain conditions.
- run into trouble/problems: To encounter difficulties.
“The project began to run into trouble due to budget cuts.”
- run into debt: To owe money.
“Many students unfortunately run into debt while pursuing their degrees.”
- run a fever/temperature: To have a higher-than-normal body temperature due to illness.
“The child was lethargic and seemed to be running a fever.”
- run short (of time/supplies): To not have enough of something.
“We’re running short of time to finish the presentation.”
- run aground: (A boat) To hit the bottom in shallow water; (Plans) to fail.
“The ship ran aground during the storm.”
To Compete or Participate
These phrases relate to taking part in competitions or elections.
- run for office/president: To be a candidate in an election.
“She decided to run for office to bring about change in her community.”
- run a race/marathon: To participate in a footrace.
“I’m training hard to run a marathon next year.”
Essential Collocations using RUN as a Noun
When “run” acts as a noun, it often refers to a period of activity, a journey, a series of events, or a demand for something.
In Motion or Activity
These describe acts of movement or brief periods of activity.
- on the run: Actively escaping or being pursued; also, very busy.
“The suspect has been on the run for two weeks.”
“I’ve been on the run all day, barely had time to eat!”
- a test run/trial run/dry run/practice run: A preliminary test or rehearsal.
“Let’s do a quick dry run of the presentation before the client arrives.”
- make a run for it: To attempt to escape or flee.
“When the alarm sounded, the thieves decided to make a run for it.”
Series or Sequence
These collocations refer to a continuous period or sequence of events.
- a run of luck/success/losses: A continuous period characterized by certain outcomes.
“After a long run of bad luck, their team finally won a game.”
- in the long run: Over a long period of time; eventually.
“Investing in education always pays off in the long run.”
Financial or Demand
These describe sudden high demand or financial situations.
- a run on the bank: A sudden heavy demand for depositors’ money from a bank.
“Rumors of instability caused a massive run on the bank.”
- a run on supplies: A sudden surge in demand for certain goods, leading to shortages.
“Panic buying led to a run on essential supplies at the start of the pandemic.”
Master Summary: Key Collocations with RUN
Here’s a quick reference to some of the most essential “run” collocations.
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| run a business | Verb | Manage an enterprise |
| run an experiment | Verb | Conduct a test |
| run smoothly | Verb | Operate without problems |
| run out of | Verb | Deplete a supply |
| run into trouble | Verb | Encounter difficulties |
| run a fever | Verb | Have a high temperature |
| run for office | Verb | Be a candidate in an election |
| run in the family | Verb | Be a common trait in a family |
| on the run | Noun (idiom) | Escaping; very busy |
| a test run | Noun | A preliminary trial |
| a run of luck | Noun | A continuous period of good/bad fortune |
| in the long run | Noun (idiom) | Eventually; over a long period |
| a run on the bank | Noun | Heavy demand for bank withdrawals |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Learning collocations helps you avoid direct translations from your native language that might sound awkward or incorrect in English.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make a business | Run a business |
| Meet problems | Run into problems |
| Be in a race | Run a race |
| Finish the supplies | Run out of supplies |
| A practice of test | A test run / A dry run |
| Emotions are high | Emotions are running high |
Our project manager, Sarah, decided to run an experiment with a new marketing strategy. She knew we were running a risk by diverting resources, but she believed it would pay off in the long run. Initially, we ran into some trouble with technical glitches, and for a moment, panic started to run high. We worked late, and by the next morning, the campaign was thankfully starting to run smoothly. Now, we are making a quick test run of the analytics before we fully launch. We don’t want to run out of time or funds before we see results!
Frequently Asked Questions about Run Collocations
What’s the difference between “run” and “walk” in expressions?
While both involve movement, “run” often implies a faster pace, urgency, or managing a system, whereas “walk” is typically slower and more deliberate. For instance, you “run a business” (manage it actively), but you “walk the dog” (take it for a stroll). Expressions like “on the run” imply haste or escape, while “take a walk” is simply a casual stroll. The key is to remember the natural pairing of words, not just their literal meanings.
Can “run” be used with emotions or abstract concepts?
Absolutely! “Run” is frequently used with abstract concepts and emotions. For example, “emotions are running high” means feelings are intense. “A tradition runs deep” suggests it’s firmly established. If something “runs in the family,” it’s a common characteristic. These usages highlight the versatility of “run” beyond mere physical movement.
Are there common prepositions that always go with “run” collocations?
Yes, prepositions are crucial for “run” collocations! Common ones include: “run out of” (supplies, time), “run into” (trouble, a person), “run over” (hit with a vehicle, review quickly), “run for” (office, president), and “run through” (money, ideas). Mastering these phrasal verbs and prepositional phrases is vital for accurate usage.
How do I know if “run” is a verb or a noun in a collocation?
The context and surrounding words are your best clues! If “run” is preceded by a subject and followed by an object (e.g., “we run a business“), it’s likely a verb. If it has an article before it (e.g., “a test run“) or is part of a fixed idiomatic phrase (e.g., “on the run“), it’s often functioning as a noun or part of a noun phrase. Paying attention to grammar and word order will help you distinguish.
What does “run in the family” mean?
“Run in the family” is an idiomatic collocation used to describe a characteristic, trait, talent, or even a disease that is common among members of a particular family, suggesting it might be inherited or passed down. For example, “Blue eyes run in their family” means many family members have blue eyes.
This article came at the perfect time! I was just preparing for a presentation on project management and needed to sound more professional. 'Run a project' is now firmly in my vocabulary. Thanks!
Fantastic timing, Anjali! We're thrilled this article could provide immediate value for your presentation. 'Run a project' is an excellent and professional collocation for project management. We wish you the best of luck with your presentation!
I wonder if there are any differences in these 'run' collocations between American English and British English? For example, 'run a bath' is very common in the UK, but perhaps 'draw a bath' is more common in the US?
That's a very keen observation, Kenji! You're absolutely right. While 'run a bath' is widely understood and used in both, 'draw a bath' is indeed more prevalent in American English. 'Run a business' or 'run an experiment' are quite standard across both dialects. Paying attention to these regional variations is a mark of an advanced learner!
Thank you for explaining the importance of collocations so clearly! It's not just about knowing the definition of 'run', but how it pairs with other words to create meaning. This is invaluable.
You've articulated the essence of collocations beautifully, Isabelle! It truly is about those natural word partnerships. We're so glad this post could highlight that crucial aspect of fluency for you. Keep exploring those linguistic connections!
I'm still a beginner, and sometimes these collocations overwhelm me. But breaking down 'run' like this helps a lot. I'm going to start a notebook just for 'run' collocations!
That's a brilliant strategy, Fatima! Starting a dedicated notebook for 'run' collocations is an excellent way to tackle them systematically. Don't feel overwhelmed; every native speaker started somewhere. Focus on a few at a time, practice using them, and you'll see amazing progress!
This post is a game-changer for me. I always felt like my English was good, but these small nuances like 'run a business' instead of 'do a business' make all the difference. I feel more confident already!
That's wonderful to hear, David! Those 'small nuances' are indeed what elevate good English to great, natural-sounding English. Gaining confidence through understanding collocations is exactly what we aim for. Keep up the fantastic work!
What about 'the river runs through the city'? Is that also a 'flow of things' type of collocation? I'm trying to categorize all the 'run' uses in my head.
That's a perfect example, Chloe! 'The river runs through the city' definitely falls into the category of 'the flow of things' or movement. It describes the natural course or path of a river. Your method of categorizing different uses of 'run' is an excellent learning strategy!
Excellent explanation of why collocations matter. It's not just memorization, it's about context and natural usage. This article truly highlights the path to sounding authentic.
Thank you, Liam! We completely agree. Understanding the 'why' behind collocations – their role in context and natural usage – is far more empowering than rote memorization. We're glad this article resonated with you and supports your journey to authentic English!
So, 'run a bath' is also a common one, right? Like operating something for a specific purpose? It feels similar to 'run an experiment' to me.
You are absolutely right, Anya! 'Run a bath' is a very common collocation. It fits the pattern of initiating an action for a specific purpose, much like 'run an experiment' or 'run a test.' It refers to filling a bathtub with water. Great job identifying that connection!
Are there any informal uses of 'run' as a verb for management? Like 'running the show'?
Absolutely, Mehmet! 'Running the show' is a fantastic informal example of 'run' used to mean being in charge or controlling an event or situation. Other informal uses include 'run a tight ship' (to manage something very efficiently) or 'run things' (to be in charge generally). Your ear for these variations is excellent!
Could you explain the difference between 'run a company' and 'manage a company'? They seem very similar, but I wonder if there's a context where one is preferred over the other.
That's a very insightful question, Priya! While 'run a company' and 'manage a company' are often used interchangeably, 'run' tends to imply a more active, hands-on role in the day-to-day operations and strategic direction, often suggesting leadership. 'Manage' can be a bit broader, sometimes referring to overseeing specific departments or projects within the company, not necessarily the overall top-level direction. Both are correct, but 'run' often carries that sense of overall control and direction.