What is run? Pronunciation and usage in English

run means . Learn how to pronounce and use run through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of run

runverb/noun

/rʌn/
Definition & pronunciation of run

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "run" in English! It's a surprisingly tricky one for non-native speakers.

Here's the breakdown:

  • The Basic Sound: The most common and accepted pronunciation is "rūn" (rhymes with "moon").

  • The "r" sound: This is the key! In American English, the "r" is a tap or flap sound. It's very quick and light – it's almost like you're barely touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Think of the "r" in the word "butter." It's a very short sound.

  • The "u" sound: This is a short, closed "oo" sound, like in the word "moon" or "blue."

Here's a breakdown of how to physically do it:

  1. Start with your tongue: Place your tongue lightly against the roof of your mouth, near the back, just like you would for the "oo" sound in "moon."

  2. Quick Tap: Quickly tap the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. It should be very fast.

  3. Vowel Sound: Say the "oo" sound at the same time.

Listen to examples:

  • Google it: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search "how to pronounce run" on Google and listen to several audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/run/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Common Mistakes:

  • Rolling the "r": Don’t roll your "r" like you would in Spanish or Italian. That's not how "run" is pronounced in English.
  • Saying "roon": This is a very common mistake. "Run" is not pronounced like "roon."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., UK, US, Australia) – Pronunciation can vary slightly depending on your native language and accent.

Usage and examples with the word run in English

Let's break down how to use the word "run" – it's incredibly versatile! It's one of those words that has many different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Movement – Running (The most common meaning)

  • Definition: To move quickly on foot.
  • Examples:
    • "I run every morning for exercise."
    • "The dog ran across the field."
    • "She runs marathons."
  • Grammar: Usually followed by a prepositional phrase indicating direction or purpose.

2. Operating/Functioning – To Operate

  • Definition: To be in operation; to function.
  • Examples:
    • "The store runs until 9 pm." (It’s open until 9 pm)
    • "The engine runs smoothly." (It works well)
    • "This app runs on iOS and Android." (It’s compatible with those systems)

3. Managing/Leading – To Be in Charge Of

  • Definition: To manage or be in control of something.
  • Examples:
    • "He runs a successful business." (He manages it)
    • "She runs the marketing department." (She's in charge of it)
    • "Who runs this organization?" (Who is responsible for it?)

4. Liquid Flow – To Flow

  • Definition: To flow or move in a stream.
  • Examples:
    • "The river runs through the valley."
    • "The faucet ran all night." (The water flowed continuously)

5. Continuing/Occurring – To Continue or Happen

  • Definition: To continue or occur repeatedly.
  • Examples:
    • "The play runs for two hours." (It's performed for two hours)
    • "The stream runs through the woods." (It continues through the woods)
    • "I run into problems all the time." (I keep encountering them)

6. To Perform a Task – To Do something (Often with a verb phrase)

  • Definition: To carry out a task or activity.
  • Examples:
    • "Let's run a test." (Let’s perform a test)
    • "They ran the calculations." (They did the calculations)
    • "We need to run the report." (We need to produce the report)

7. Fabric/Material – To be made of fabric

  • Definition: To be made of a particular fabric.
  • Examples:
    • “This dress runs small, so I got a size up.” (The fabric is thin and shrinks)
    • “This shirt runs a little long.” (The fabric is wide)

8. (Informal) To Meet/See Someone

  • Definition: (Colloquial) To encounter someone unexpectedly.
  • Examples:
    • “I ran into Sarah at the grocery store!” (I unexpectedly met her)

9. (Verb Phrase) To Execute/Implement

  • Definition: To carry out a plan or strategy.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s run a simulation.” (Let's execute a simulation)
    • "They ran a new marketing campaign." (They implemented a new campaign)

Tips for Understanding the Context

  • Pay attention to the surrounding words: The words around "run" will often give you clues as to which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the sentence's subject: Who or what is doing the "running"? This can help narrow down the possibilities.
  • Don't be afraid to look it up: If you're unsure, a quick dictionary lookup can be incredibly helpful!

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "run" in a sentence for? (e.g., "I'm writing an email about my business," or "I'm trying to understand a physics textbook.")

Synonyms for the word run

Idioms of the word run

come running
to be pleased to do what somebody wants
  • She knew she had only to call and he would come running.
run for it
to run in order to escape from somebody/something
    run roughshod over somebody
    to treat somebody badly and not worry about their feelings
      up and running
      working fully and correctly
      • It will be a lot easier when we have the database up and running.
      • We soon had the sound system up and running.

      Practice with vocabulary run

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The CEO decided to ______ the new project independently to ensure all deadlines were met.
      2. After several hours of heavy rain, water began to ______ freely down the street, causing minor flooding.
      3. To ensure the success of the new initiative, the team plans to ______ a comprehensive market analysis next month.
      4. Our current server infrastructure cannot adequately ______ the demands of the increased web traffic without significant upgrades.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Multiple answers may be correct)

      1. Which word(s) can accurately describe the action of being in charge of a complex business operation? a) manage b) run c) direct d) conduct

      2. The software application will ______ a comprehensive diagnostic scan every morning. a) perform b) run c) execute d) operate

      3. If we do not address the technical issues promptly, we risk seeing the entire production line ______ inefficiently. a) function b) operate c) move d) proceed

      4. The project budget is getting tight, and we might ______ out of funds by next month if we don't secure more investment. a) deplete b) exhaust c) run d) consume

      5. The CEO's decision to ______ the company's focus towards sustainable energy solutions was met with widespread approval. a) shift b) alter c) reorient d) change

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: The head of the department is responsible for supervising all daily operations. Rewrite (must use "run" or related word forms):

      2. Original: Due to an unforeseen glitch, the new analytical program did not start as expected. Rewrite (must use "run" or related word forms):

      3. Original: The machine worked continuously for 72 hours without any issues. Rewrite (must NOT use "run", but use a suitable replacement word):

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. run
      2. run
      3. conduct / perform
      4. handle / support

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) manage, b) run, c) direct, d) conduct
      2. a) perform, b) run, c) execute
      3. a) function, b) operate
      4. c) run (in "run out of"), a) deplete, b) exhaust
      5. a) shift, b) alter, c) reorient, d) change

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The head of the department is responsible for running all daily operations.
      2. Due to an unforeseen glitch, the new analytical program did not run as expected.
      3. The machine operated continuously for 72 hours without any issues. (Other possible answers: The machine functioned continuously for 72 hours without any issues.)

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