run
run — verb
1. To move forward with a gait where both feet leave the ground briefly between str
To move forward with a gait where both feet leave the ground briefly between strides, at a speed greater than ordinary walking.
Tomás runs to the bus stop every morning before school.
run + to + destination for routine
Zola ran faster than her cousin in the race at the park.
run + comparative: ran faster than
Eli runs three kilometres every evening to stay healthy.
After the bell rang, the students ran out of the classroom and into the yard.
The dog ran across the beach to fetch the stick that Emily had thrown.
- walk
moving at a slower pace with one foot always on the ground
文法句型
run + to-infinitive
run + adverb of direction
run + distance
常見錯誤
2. To make an animal such as a horse or dog take part in a race.
To make an animal such as a horse or dog take part in a race.
The Kim family runs their prize horse in the local derby every spring.
run + animal + in + [competition]
Tomás decided to run his greyhound at next month's competition.
Mayumi's uncle ran his champion sheepdog at the county fair last year.
Eri plans to run her pony in the children's race this weekend.
- enter
more general; can be used for people or animals registering for a race
文法句型
run + animal + in + race event
用法筆記
The object is usually a horse, dog, or other animal bred for racing. Frequently used with 'in' to name the event.
3. To travel to a place at a fast pace, using any means of movement, especially whe
To travel to a place at a fast pace, using any means of movement, especially when time is short.
Christopher ran to the hospital when he heard the news about his grandfather.
run + to + destination for urgency
The delivery van ran across town to make the last drop before closing time.
Tanvi ran upstairs to grab her umbrella before the rain started.
The ambulance ran through the busy streets with its siren wailing.
- amble
moving at a slow, relaxed pace
文法句型
run + to + destination
run + prepositional phrase
用法筆記
The subject can be a person hurrying on foot or a vehicle moving rapidly. Unlike sense 1, the focus is on speed and urgency rather than the physical action of running.
4. To run away quickly from a dangerous person, animal, or situation in order to av
To run away quickly from a dangerous person, animal, or situation in order to avoid harm.
The dog ran when it heard the loud explosion from the construction site.
Marta ran from the angry bull and climbed over the fence to safety.
run from + [source of danger]
The children ran for shelter when the storm suddenly grew stronger.
Noor's cat ran from the room the moment the vacuum cleaner started.
- approach
moving toward someone or something, the opposite of running away
文法句型
run from + source of danger
run + adverb of direction
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: the purpose here is escape or avoidance, not exercise or travel. Common with 'from', 'for', or directional adverbs.
常見錯誤
5. To make the leg motions of running while the body stays in the same place, usual
To make the leg motions of running while the body stays in the same place, usually on a machine or as an exercise.
Eli ran on the treadmill at the gym for thirty minutes this morning.
run on a treadmill
The coach made the team run in place while waiting for the rain to stop.
Mayumi runs on the spot to warm up before her dance class begins.
The physiotherapist told Zola to run on the special machine to test her knee recovery.
- jog on the spot
a lighter, less intense version of the same action
文法句型
run + on + equipment
run + in place
run + on the spot
用法筆記
Typically used with 'on a treadmill', 'on the spot', or 'in place'. Common in exercise and rehabilitation contexts.
6. To advance the ball by running with it toward the opposite end zone in American
To advance the ball by running with it toward the opposite end zone in American football.
The quarterback ran the ball fifteen yards before being tackled.
run the ball + distance - American football
Christopher ran straight through the defence to score the winning touchdown.
The coach told the team to run the ball instead of passing next play.
Tomás ran past two defenders to the ten-yard line before going out of bounds.
- carry the ball
a more literal description of the same action
- pass
the alternative action of throwing the ball instead of running with it
文法句型
run + the ball
run + adverb of direction
用法筆記
Specific to American football (not soccer). Can be used transitively ('run the ball') or intransitively ('run for a touchdown').
7. to go along a fixed way between two points — used for buses, trains, roads, pipe
to go along a fixed way between two points — used for buses, trains, roads, pipes, cables, and other things that stretch across or travel on a set path.
The number 73 bus runs from the train station to the university campus.
run + adverb/preposition for route
A hiking trail runs through the forest and ends at a beautiful lake.
The ferry company runs boats between the two islands during summer.
A thick black cable runs from the generator to each building on the farm.
The delivery van runs between the warehouse and shops every morning.
文法句型
run + adverb/preposition
run something + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Frequently used with prepositions of direction (along, through, from...to, between). The intransitive form describes the route itself; the transitive form describes the company or person operating the service on that route.
常見錯誤
8. to work or operate correctly — used for machines, engines, computers, software,
to work or operate correctly — used for machines, engines, computers, software, and other devices that perform their intended function.
The old fridge in the garage still runs on electricity from a long cord.
intransitive: a machine runs (works)
Tamar ran a virus scan on her laptop before opening the email attachment.
transitive: run software/program
The factory machines run twenty-four hours a day during the busy season.
Mira's watch runs on a small battery that lasts for about two years.
Quan ran the video through editing software to fix the sound quality.
文法句型
run (intransitive — machine/device works)
run something (transitive — operate a machine/program)
用法筆記
Commonly used for electronic devices, software, and machinery. In computing, 'run' specifically means to start and execute a program or command. When describing computers, 'run on' indicates the operating system (runs on Windows) or power source (runs on batteries).
常見錯誤
9. to have the main responsibility for a business, organization, or activity — deci
to have the main responsibility for a business, organization, or activity — deciding how it works and guiding its direction.
Felix runs a small bakery with only three employees in the city centre.
run + noun phrase (business)
The theatre group is run entirely by volunteers who also perform on stage.
passive: be run by [person/group]
Devika runs the training department for a large technology company.
The community centre is run by a group of local residents.
Sirin runs a language school that teaches four different languages.
文法句型
run + noun phrase (business/organization/activity)
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person or group. Frequently used in the passive voice (be run by). This sense is less formal than 'manage' or 'direct' — 'run a business' is the everyday way to say it in conversation.
常見錯誤
10. to control an organization, situation, or group of people in a strict and exact
to control an organization, situation, or group of people in a strict and exact way, with close attention to rules, timing, and quality.
The head teacher runs the school with strict rules and a clear daily routine.
run + noun phrase + with + adverb phrase (manner)
Ayana runs her kitchen with careful planning and every ingredient in its place.
The coach runs the team on a very tight schedule from sunrise to sunset.
Brooke runs the project with such discipline that deadlines are always met.
- control strictly
more explicit about the level of control
- oversee firmly
more formal; used in professional contexts
- manage tightly
combines the idea of management with strictness
文法句型
run something + adverb/preposition phrase (manner)
用法筆記
Often appears in the fixed expression 'run a tight ship'. The emphasis is on the strict method of control rather than the simple fact of being in charge — distinguish this from sense 9 (MANAGE), which focuses on general responsibility rather than strictness.
11. to have and use a car or other vehicle, covering all the expenses it needs — lik
to have and use a car or other vehicle, covering all the expenses it needs — like fuel, repairs, insurance, and taxes.
Running an old car can be expensive because replacement parts cost a lot.
it costs [money] to run a car
Kwame calculated how much it costs to run his motorcycle each month.
Many city families choose not to run a car because parking fees are high.
Vinícius runs a small electric scooter that is cheap to charge at home.
The company pays a monthly allowance to staff who run their own cars.
- keep a car
similar meaning, slightly less common
- own and maintain (a vehicle)
more formal and explanatory
文法句型
run a car/vehicle
用法筆記
Informal. 'Run a car' refers to the ongoing cost and responsibility of ownership, not just driving it somewhere. Not used for bicycles or public transport — use 'ride' for bicycles and 'use' for buses or trains.
常見錯誤
12. to organize and manage your daily life, household, or personal work in a particu
to organize and manage your daily life, household, or personal work in a particular way — for example, arranging schedules, budgets, and routines.
The Watanabe family runs their household on a very strict monthly budget.
run + household + adverb phrase
Anthony runs his working day according to a detailed schedule he prepares.
After the divorce, Élise had to learn how to run the home by herself.
Many young couples learn to run a home while both hold full-time jobs.
Caio runs his mornings on a simple routine of exercise and breakfast.
- organize
more general; 'organize your life' covers planning without the sense of ongoing operation
- manage (your time/life)
overlaps in meaning; 'manage' sounds slightly more formal
- arrange
focuses on planning rather than the ongoing routine
文法句型
run + abstract noun phrase (household/life/schedule)
用法筆記
The object is abstract — a household, a life, a day, a home. Unlike sense 9 (MANAGE), this sense is not about commercial businesses. Distinguish from sense 10 (CONTROL FIRMLY), which emphasizes strictness; this sense is about practical organization without implying strictness.
常見錯誤
13. When a liquid runs, it moves from one place to another on its own. If you run a
When a liquid runs, it moves from one place to another on its own. If you run a liquid, you cause it to move, for example by turning on a tap.
Ishaan turned on the tap and let the water run into the sink.
let + noun + run + preposition for causing flow
Isabela's nose was running because she had caught a bad cold.
body part + is running for bodily fluids
The stream ran through the garden after two days of heavy rain.
Stefan ran hot water from the kettle into a large teapot.
Sweat ran down the runner's face as she crossed the finish line.
- stop
used for both the liquid itself and the action of causing flow
文法句型
noun + run (intransitive)
run + noun + prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Subject can be either the liquid itself (intransitive) or a person causing the flow (transitive). The continuous form is very common for bodily fluids: 'my nose is running', 'sweat was running down his back.'
常見錯誤
14. When dye in a garment leaves the fabric during washing and spreads onto surround
When dye in a garment leaves the fabric during washing and spreads onto surrounding items or other parts of the same item, the colour is said to run.
Christopher washed a red shirt with white towels, and the colour ran onto them.
colour + run onto [fabric]
The care label says to wash in cold water so the dye does not run.
Yasmin always separates her laundry because dark colours tend to run.
Léa was disappointed when the blue ink from her new jeans ran into her cream-coloured dress.
文法句型
colour/ dye + run
用法筆記
The subject is the colour or dye itself, not the piece of clothing. Use a colour word (e.g. 'the red ran') or 'the dye' as the subject. British English also uses 'bleed' for the same meaning.
15. To reach or be in a particular state or condition — for example, a river running
To reach or be in a particular state or condition — for example, a river running dry, supplies running low, or feelings running deep. Often describes undesirable or extreme changes.
The river ran dry after three summers without enough rain.
run + dry for change to an undesirable state
Lakan noticed that food supplies were running low in the village shop.
If the meeting runs long, the children will have to wait at the reception desk.
Emotions ran high among the crowd waiting for the election results.
The manager's patience was running thin after three hours of arguments.
文法句型
run + adjective
用法筆記
Only takes an adjective complement, never a noun phrase. The most common pairings involve dry, low, high, short, deep, wild, thin, and rampant. This pattern is especially frequent in continuous form (running + adjective).
常見錯誤
16. When a pair of tights or stockings develops a thin vertical line of broken threa
When a pair of tights or stockings develops a thin vertical line of broken threads because the fabric has been caught or stretched too much, the garment is said to have run.
Élise noticed her tights had run just as she arrived at the birthday party.
Darius caught his sock on a loose nail, and it ran all the way up.
The stockings were expensive, but they ran the first time Jisoo wore them.
If you wash tights with a zipper, they often run in the machine.
文法句型
tights/ stockings + run
用法筆記
British English uses 'ladder' (verb and noun) for the same concept. 'Run' for this meaning is more common in American English. The resulting hole is also called a 'run' (noun, sense 11).
17. To publish or broadcast something such as a news story, article, photograph, or
To publish or broadcast something such as a news story, article, photograph, or advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, or on television.
The local newspaper ran a story about the new hospital opening.
run + a story / an article
That television channel ran the same car advertisement every evening for a month.
All the major fashion magazines ran photos of the awards ceremony.
Hari's letter to the editor was run in the Sunday edition of the paper.
文法句型
run + a story/ an article/ an advertisement/ a photo
用法筆記
The subject is the media outlet (newspaper, magazine, TV station, website), not the author of the content. Frequently passive when the focus is on the content itself. Also used for online articles and blog posts.
常見錯誤
18. To be published or broadcast in newspapers, magazines, or on television — used w
To be published or broadcast in newspapers, magazines, or on television — used when the content itself is the subject of the sentence.
A photo of the winning team ran in several national newspapers.
photo / story + run + in [publication]
The story about the earthquake ran on the front page of the morning paper.
Iris's recipe for vegan curry ran in the food magazine last spring.
A short interview with the artist ran between the evening news programmes.
- appear
more general and widely used across all media contexts
- be featured
suggests prominence or special treatment; more formal
文法句型
story/ article/ photo + run + in/ on [medium]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 17 (PUBLISH): in this sense the content itself (story, photo, article) is the grammatical subject and the sentence is intransitive. In sense 17, a person or organization is the subject and takes a direct object.
19. (of a film, play, or television programme) to be shown or performed at a particu
(of a film, play, or television programme) to be shown or performed at a particular venue so that people can go and watch it.
The new nature documentary is running at the city cinema all week.
run + at [location] for duration
Élise called the theater to ask which films were running that evening.
question form with be running
The musical ran for three years on Broadway before moving to London.
A classic horror film runs at the old cinema every Halloween night.
The show ran for only six episodes before the network canceled it.
文法句型
film/play + run + at/in [location]
run + for [duration]
用法筆記
The subject is always a film, play, TV show, or similar entertainment; people do not 'run' in this sense.
常見錯誤
20. to try to win a public political office by asking voters to choose you in an ele
to try to win a public political office by asking voters to choose you in an election where ballots are cast.
Arjun decided to run for city council after years of volunteer work.
run + for + [elected office]
Hugo ran for governor twice but lost both times by a small margin of votes.
Many young people are running for local office across the country this year.
Beatriz announced that she would run for the state senate seat in the primary election.
The senator decided not to run in the general election after thirty years in office.
- stand for
British English equivalent; less common in American English
- campaign for
emphasizes the active effort to get votes rather than just being a candidate
文法句型
run + for + [position]
run + in + [election name]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'for' plus the position sought. In British English, 'stand for' is more common than 'run for'.
常見錯誤
21. to suggest and actively support someone's name as a candidate in an election, es
to suggest and actively support someone's name as a candidate in an election, especially by a political party or group.
The local party voted to run Yasmin as their candidate for city council.
run + [person] + as + [candidate]
The committee ran three candidates in the primary election this year.
The county party ran David for mayor even though he had never held office.
The student group is running Aylin for class president this semester.
文法句型
run + [someone] + as + [candidate]
run + [someone] + for + [position]
用法筆記
The subject is a party, committee, or group; the object is the person being put forward. Distinguish from sense 20, where a person runs themselves.
常見錯誤
22. to try to get a particular role or position within a group, committee, or organi
to try to get a particular role or position within a group, committee, or organization, whether by a vote of members or by an appointment process.
Kenji is running for the position of student union president this spring.
run + for + [specific title in organization]
Several local artists are running for a seat on the community arts board.
Lien decided to run for club treasurer after the current one stepped down.
Alejandra is running for a position on the hospital's ethics committee.
The vice principal is running for the head teacher role at the school.
文法句型
run + for + [specific position/title]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 20 (ELECTION), which involves a formal public election where voters cast ballots, this sense applies to positions within organizations, committees, clubs, or schools — filled by member votes, appointments, or internal selection processes.
常見錯誤
23. to secretly move weapons, drugs, or other illegal goods across borders or betwee
to secretly move weapons, drugs, or other illegal goods across borders or between countries, often as part of criminal trade.
The men were arrested for running guns across the border into the next country.
run + [illegal goods] + across + [border]
Customs officers found a group running stolen diamonds out of the country.
The gang had been running drugs from the coast to the capital for years.
Yael was caught trying to run illegal cigarettes through the port last month.
文法句型
run + [illegal goods] + [preposition] + [place]
用法筆記
Almost always takes a direct object naming the illegal goods. Used especially for weapons, drugs, alcohol, and other contraband. 'Smuggle' is more neutral and broader; 'run' in this sense has a more informal, criminal-trade flavour.
常見錯誤
24. to have a particular price; to be sold for a stated amount of money, often when
to have a particular price; to be sold for a stated amount of money, often when that amount is quite high.
The new laptop runs about thirty thousand dollars in most electronics stores.
run + about [amount]
A monthly train pass runs around two hundred dollars in this city.
The wedding reception ran them over fifty thousand dollars in the end.
Ayana was surprised that the concert tickets ran almost three hundred each.
The repairs on the old house ran at nearly ten thousand dollars total.
文法句型
run + [someone] + [amount]
run + at + [price]
用法筆記
Informal; more common in American English than British English. Often used when the price is high or surprising. Can be transitive (run someone an amount) or intransitive with 'at' (run at a price).
常見錯誤
25. to provide a service, an item, or help to someone by making it available or doin
to provide a service, an item, or help to someone by making it available or doing it for them
The hotel staff ran a hot bath for Rania after her long flight.
double object: run + someone + something
Could you run an errand for me and pick up some milk?
Asher ran a credit check on the apartment before signing the lease.
The cafe runs a free shuttle service for customers in the area.
Élise ran a background check on the new babysitter before hiring her.
文法句型
run + someone + something
run + something + for + someone
用法筆記
Often uses the double-object pattern: run + someone + something (e.g. run me a bath, run him a credit check). The person receiving the service is required in this structure.
常見錯誤
26. to stay in operation, remain usable, or keep happening for a specific length of
to stay in operation, remain usable, or keep happening for a specific length of time
The employment contract runs for two years with an option to renew.
run + for + period of time
That musical has been running at the Lyceum Theater since last March.
Her gym membership runs from January to December each year.
The special discount runs until the end of this month only.
The training course runs for ten weeks every autumn semester.
文法句型
run + for + period of time
run + from + time + to + time
run + until + time
用法筆記
Subject is typically a contract, ticket, offer, play, membership, or official period. The sense emphasises a planned or scheduled duration. Frequently passive only in the sense of 'be run' (e.g. The course is run twice a year).
常見錯誤
27. to perform a scientific, medical, or technical procedure that follows a set plan
to perform a scientific, medical, or technical procedure that follows a set plan
The lab technician ran a blood test on every patient this morning.
run + a test / an experiment / a trial
Rohan ran several experiments on the samples before presenting his findings.
Yael ran a virus scan on her laptop after the system crashed.
The research team is running a series of trials on the new vaccine.
Kofi ran a quick diagnostic test on the engine before the race.
文法句型
run + a test
run + an experiment
run + a trial
用法筆記
Object is typically a test, experiment, trial, scan, or diagnostic. Common in medical, computing, and scientific contexts. Not used for educational exams — use give, administer, or sit for those.
常見錯誤
run — noun
1. the physical activity of moving your legs quickly so that for a moment both feet
the physical activity of moving your legs quickly so that for a moment both feet leave the ground, done for sport, exercise, or to get somewhere fast.
Faisal goes for a run every morning before breakfast.
go for a run — common collocation for running as exercise
The coach asked the team to do a warm-up run around the field before practice.
Sayaka's first marathon run took her just under four hours.
After weeks of training, Hugo completed his longest run — fifteen kilometres.
A short run along the beach helped Lotte clear her mind before the exam.
- walk
moving at a slower pace with one foot always on the ground
常見錯誤
2. a journey taken in a vehicle, especially one made regularly or along a fixed rou
a journey taken in a vehicle, especially one made regularly or along a fixed route.
The bus run from the village to the nearest town takes about an hour.
bus run — fixed-route journey
We took a scenic train run through the mountains during our holiday in Switzerland.
The ferry makes three runs across the river every morning before lunch.
Quan's daily run to the office is thirty minutes by subway.
3. a continuous series of performances of a play, film, or show in one place over a
a continuous series of performances of a play, film, or show in one place over a period of time.
The play had a successful run of six months at the National Theatre in London.
successful run [of duration] — theatre idiom
Christopher's one-man show enjoyed a longer run than anyone had expected.
The film's initial run in cinemas lasted only three weeks before it was replaced.
During its Broadway run, the musical was seen by over half a million people.
- season
often refers to a planned series of performances over a specific period, usually a few months
- engagement
a more formal term for a booked series of performances
4. a situation where many people suddenly try to buy the same product or service at
a situation where many people suddenly try to buy the same product or service at once, causing a period of very strong demand.
There was a sudden run on bottled water when the storm warning was announced.
run on + [product] — buying spree collocation
The new gaming console caused a massive run at electronics stores across the city.
A run on the bank occurred when customers heard about its financial troubles.
The limited-edition shoes created a run that sold out within minutes online.
文法句型
run on + product
用法筆記
Often used in finance contexts: 'a run on a bank' describes a panic where many depositors withdraw money at once, which can cause the bank to collapse.
常見錯誤
5. a situation where many people quickly sell a particular investment or asset, usu
a situation where many people quickly sell a particular investment or asset, usually because they fear its value will drop.
A run on the company's shares caused the stock price to fall sharply that afternoon.
run on [shares/shares] — selling panic in finance
Investors started a run on government bonds after the disappointing economic report.
The run on technology stocks lasted for several days before the market calmed down.
Fear of rising interest rates triggered a run in the currency market last week.
- sell-off
a period of heavy selling, but 'sell-off' is a noun compound rather than 'run on + object'
- buying spree
the opposite situation — a rush to purchase
文法句型
run on + investment
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 4 (BUY): sense 4 describes people rushing to BUY something (e.g. a product or bank deposit), while sense 5 describes people rushing to SELL something (e.g. shares or bonds).
常見錯誤
6. a stretch of time in which the same kind of event or condition keeps happening w
a stretch of time in which the same kind of event or condition keeps happening without a break.
The team enjoyed a remarkable run of ten straight victories this season.
run of [number] + [noun] — series pattern
After a long run of hot weather, the farmers were relieved when rain finally came.
The factory completed a production run of five thousand units last month.
Selim's run of good luck ended when he lost his wallet on the train.
The printer can handle a print run of two hundred pages without needing more paper.
文法句型
run of + noun
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of + noun phrase' to specify what is continuing: 'a run of bad weather', 'a run of good results'. Common in business ('production run', 'print run') and everyday contexts ('run of luck').
7. a quick sequence of musical notes moving step by step up or down within a musica
a quick sequence of musical notes moving step by step up or down within a musical scale, performed rapidly as a connected series
Tariq played a fast run of notes on the piano during the jazz solo.
run of notes — standard collocation
The singer added a beautiful run at the end of the chorus for the audience.
In the final movement, the violinist performed a difficult run up the scale.
Wei practised the same run of notes ten times until it sounded completely smooth.
- scale passage
more formal, used in classical music writing
- flourish
suggests a decorative, showy run, often improvised
文法句型
run of notes
run up/down the scale
用法筆記
Often used in music teaching and performance reviews to describe a fast, connected series of notes within a single scale.
8. the usual or standard kind of something, rather than a special, unusual, or high
the usual or standard kind of something, rather than a special, unusual, or high-quality version of it
Their new tablet costs more than the run of similar devices on the market.
the run of [plural noun] — pattern for 'ordinary type'
The exhibition was far more exciting than the run of art shows Eliska usually visits.
This restaurant serves food that is well above the run of fast-food places nearby.
The album's songs differ from the run of pop music you hear daily.
- exception
something that stands out from the ordinary type
文法句型
the run of [plural noun]
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the phrase 'the run of something', often with a comparative (above, below, different from) that contrasts something with the usual type.
9. a fenced outdoor space where farm animals such as chickens, sheep, or pigs are k
a fenced outdoor space where farm animals such as chickens, sheep, or pigs are kept and allowed to move around
The farmer built a new run for the chickens next to the barn.
run for [animals] — purpose construction
Adisa checked the run every morning to make sure the hens had fresh water.
The children helped clean out the rabbit run and refill the hay in the hutch.
The sheep stayed inside their run while the dogs guarded the outer gate.
文法句型
run for [animals]
[animal] run
用法筆記
Used mainly for poultry (chickens, hens) and small farm or pet animals (rabbits, sheep). Does not refer to barns or indoor housing.
10. a point earned in baseball or cricket when a player successfully reaches a scori
a point earned in baseball or cricket when a player successfully reaches a scoring area after running around the field
Quan scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
score a run / winning run — key collocations
The crowd cheered loudly when the batter hit the ball and scored a run.
With two runs already on the board, the team needed only one more to win.
In cricket, a batsman can score multiple runs from a single hit to the boundary.
- point
general term; 'run' is the specific term in baseball and cricket
文法句型
score a run
winning run
用法筆記
In cricket, 'runs' can be scored in numbers from one hit (a single, double, etc.); in baseball, one 'run' equals one point and requires touching all four bases.
11. a long, narrow tear in knitted clothing such as stockings or tights, caused when
a long, narrow tear in knitted clothing such as stockings or tights, caused when a single stitch breaks and the stitches above it come undone
Maeve noticed a run in her stockings just before the job interview started.
a run in [garment] — standard pattern
The wool caught on a nail and left a long run down her tights.
Sana tried to stop the run from spreading by putting clear nail polish on it.
A small snag can quickly turn into a large run in delicate knitted fabric.
文法句型
a run in [garment]
用法筆記
This sense is more common in British English; American English prefers 'ladder' for the same meaning. Used mainly for tights, stockings, and thin knitted garments.
12. a common stomach problem in which a person has to go to the toilet very often wi
a common stomach problem in which a person has to go to the toilet very often with watery waste, sometimes informally called 'the runs'
The child had the runs after eating too many sweets at the birthday party.
have the runs — informal fixed phrase
Felipe got a bad run of the stomach from food that was not cooked properly.
The doctor said the run would pass within a day if he drank enough water.
Sofie felt weak after three days of the runs and went to see the pharmacist.
- diarrhoea
the formal medical term; 'the runs' is informal but far more common in casual speech
文法句型
have the runs
a run of the stomach
用法筆記
Always appears as 'the runs' (plural, with the definite article) in the common phrase for diarrhoea. Sometimes used as 'a run of the stomach'. Informal register — avoid in formal writing or medical contexts.
13. An event in which people compete by running a set distance, often organised for
An event in which people compete by running a set distance, often organised for charity or as a community activity.
Over two thousand people signed up for the charity run in March.
collocation: charity run / fun run
Michael finished third in the five-kilometre run last Saturday.
The annual fun run raises money for the local food bank.
Bilal trained for months before the community run along the river.
Each run starts and ends at the same spot near the park gate.
文法句型
run + [distance]
charity run / fun run
14. The freedom to move anywhere inside a building, area, or system without being bl
The freedom to move anywhere inside a building, area, or system without being blocked or stopped.
The hotel guests had the run of the private beach all week.
collocation: have the run of [place]
Élise was given the run of the research lab after regular hours.
passive: be given the run of [place]
The stray cat had the run of the old warehouse near the docks.
Baraka's new contract gives him the run of the company gym.
During the heatwave, the children had the run of the pool.
文法句型
have the run of [place]
be given the run of [place]
用法筆記
Only used in the singular. Almost always follows the pattern 'have the run of' followed by a place or area.
常見錯誤
15. A narrow flow of water that moves naturally over land, smaller than a river.
A narrow flow of water that moves naturally over land, smaller than a river.
Hyun crossed the shallow run by stepping on flat stones.
collocation: shallow run
The crystal-clear run flowed through the meadow year-round.
Amihan caught small fish in the run behind her house.
After the heavy rain, the dry run filled with water again.
The old wooden bridge crossed a run that barely reached your knees.
用法筆記
Less common in everyday speech; 'stream' or 'brook' are more frequently used. 'Run' in this sense is more common in regional or rural British English.
16. In American football, an offensive move in which the player carrying the ball ru
In American football, an offensive move in which the player carrying the ball runs forward to gain ground past the opposing team's defence.
Kenji gained twelve yards on that run past the defence.
The quarterback handed the ball off for a run up the middle.
collocation: run up the middle
Christopher's longest run of the game gained forty metres.
The coach called a run on the next play instead of a pass.
Ada watched the running back break free on a long run.
- rushing play
the formal American football term for any running offensive move
- ground game
refers to the overall running strategy of a team rather than a single play
- pass
an offensive play in which the ball is thrown instead of carried
用法筆記
This sense is specific to American football. In other football codes (soccer, rugby) the same concept is described differently.
run — adjective
1. feeling extremely tired and short of breath after physical activity, especially
feeling extremely tired and short of breath after physical activity, especially running or other exercise.
After the charity run, Bao felt so run that he sat on the grass.
predicative: feel + run
The children were completely run after three hours of playing tag.
By the time Felix reached the finish, he was too run to speak.
Defne looked quite run after her early training session at the pool.
A long climb like that leaves even fit hikers feeling run.
文法句型
be run
feel run
look run
too run + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Typically used after linking verbs such as 'be', 'feel', or 'look'; it is rarely placed directly before a noun.