What is running? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of running

runningnoun

/ˈrʌnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of running

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "running" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈrʌnɪŋ/ (This is IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈrʌn: This is the first syllable.

    • ˈr - Pronounce this like the "r" in "red". It's a slightly emphasized, quick "r."
    • ʌ - This is a short "uh" sound, like the "u" in "but" or "cut". It's a bit relaxed.
    • n - Pronounce this like the "n" in "no."

  2. ɪŋ: This is the second syllable.

    • ɪ - This is a short "i" sound, like the "i" in "bit" or "sit."
    • ŋ - This is the "ng" sound, like in "sing" or "ring." It's a nasal sound—it comes out of your nose. You'll feel a slight vibration in your nose when you make it.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don’t overemphasize the "r." It's not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish.
  • Focus on the short “uh” sound in the first syllable. Don't make it a long “oo” sound like in “run.”
  • Practice the “ng” sound. Really focus on the nasal quality.

Listen to examples:

  • Google it: Search "how to pronounce running" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/running/ This website has pronunciations by native speakers.

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

  • Where are you from? (This can help me understand any potential differences in your accent.)

Usage and examples with the word running in English

Let's break down how to use the word "running" in English. It's a very versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Verb (Action - Moving Quickly)

  • Basic Meaning: This is the most common usage – to move quickly on foot.
    • Example: "I'm running a marathon next month."
    • Example: "The dog was running across the field."
    • Example: “She runs every morning for exercise.” (present continuous – habitual action)

2. As a Gerund (Noun Form - An Activity)

  • Meaning: When "running" is used as a noun, it refers to the activity of running. It’s treated like a noun.
    • Example: "I enjoy running." (Here, "running" is the thing she enjoys).
    • Example: "He's a keen runner." (Referring to someone who enjoys running).
    • Example: "The running track is very bumpy." (Referring to the area dedicated to running).

3. As Part of Phrases (Common Combinations)

  • Running Late: Means you’re behind schedule.

    • Example: "I'm so sorry I'm running late to the meeting."

  • Running a Business: Means owning and operating a company.

    • Example: “She’s running a successful bakery.”

  • Running Water: Water that’s flowing.

    • Example: "The tap was running when I left the faucet open."

  • Running Costs: Expenses incurred while operating something.

    • Example: “The running costs of the car are quite high.”

  • Running in the Park: Running for exercise in a park.

    • Example: "They were running in the park this morning."

  • Running a Temperature: Having a fever.

    • Example: "I think I’m running a temperature."

  • Running out of (something): Having no more of something.

    • Example: “We’re running out of milk.”

  • Running a Race: Participating in a race.

    • Example: “He’s running a race today.”

4. As a Present Participle (Describing Ongoing Action)

  • Meaning: Describes an action happening at the same time as another action.
    • Example: “I was running downstairs when I tripped.” (Running is happening simultaneously with tripping.)
    • Example: “She was running her business while raising her children.”

5. Referring to a Machine/Equipment

  • Running a Machine: Operating or using a machine.

    • Example: “Can you run this machine for me?”

  • Running smoothly: Functioning correctly and efficiently.

    • Example: “The program is running smoothly.”

Key Points & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "running" depends entirely on how it’s used in the sentence.
  • Verb vs. Noun: Pay attention to whether it's an action ("I am running") or referring to the activity itself ("I enjoy running").
  • Present Continuous: “Running” is frequently used in the present continuous tense (“I’m running”) to describe activities that happen regularly or habitually.

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word “running”? (e.g., Are you writing a story? Are you having trouble understanding a sentence? Do you want to learn more about a specific usage?)

Synonyms for the word running

Idioms of the word running

in/out of the running (for something)
(informal)having some/no chance of succeeding or achieving something
    make the running
    (British English, informal)to set the speed at which something is done; to take the lead in doing something

      Practice with vocabulary running

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The project manager is responsible for ______ the daily operations of the team.
      2. Despite the challenging terrain, she enjoys ______ long distances every morning.
      3. The new CEO quickly took over ______ the company's financial restructuring.
      4. To catch the bus, he had to start ______ down the street at full speed.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (multiple correct answers may apply)

      1. To ensure the project stays on schedule, team leaders must be effective at ______ daily tasks. A) running B) directing C) overseeing D) conducting

      2. She has been actively involved in ______ marathons for charity for over a decade. A) running B) competing in C) participating in D) finishing

      3. After a long day of back-to-back meetings, he felt like he was ______ on fumes. A) operating B) running C) working D) surviving

      4. The company's new policy focuses on ______ customer satisfaction through improved service quality. A) elevating B) increasing C) raising D) boosting

      5. Which of the following best describes the act of moving quickly over a short distance, typically at top speed? A) Walking B) Sprinting C) Jogging D) Strolling

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: The new CEO is in charge of the company's daily operations. Rewrite using "running":

      2. Original: They experienced a shortage of raw materials for production. Rewrite using "running" or a related word form:

      3. Original: The system is currently in operation and producing excellent results. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word instead of "running":

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. running
      2. running
      3. managing
      4. sprinting

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. A) running, B) directing, C) overseeing
      2. A) running, B) competing in, C) participating in
      3. B) running
      4. A) elevating, B) increasing, C) raising, D) boosting
      5. B) Sprinting

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The new CEO is responsible for running the company's daily operations.
      2. They were running short of raw materials for production.
      3. The system is currently functioning and producing excellent results.

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