All phrasal verbs
run
/rʌn/8 phrasal verbsThe plain verb means to move quickly, or to operate.
RUN splits into motion senses and operation senses.
The three that get confused are run into, run over and run out of. Run into = meet by chance (or collide). Run over = hit with a vehicle, or review quickly. Run out of = exhaust a supply. They sound alike and mean nothing alike — “I ran into my teacher” is a pleasant surprise, “I ran over my teacher” is a criminal offence.
RUN ends in /n/, linking into vowels: run out is “ru-nout”, run into is “ru-nin-do” with the INTO flap.
Side by side
Every RUN phrasal verb, with the one line that keeps it apart from its siblings. Tap any one to open it.
| Phrasal verb | Means | How to remember it |
|---|---|---|
| run intoInseparable3 meanings | meet someone by chance; collide with | You cross paths unexpectedly. |
| run overSeparable3 meanings | hit with a vehicle; review quickly; overflow | OVER = the wheels pass over — or your eyes do. |
| run out ofInseparable | use up the entire supply | OUT OF = the container is empty. |
| run awayNo object | escape, usually from home | AWAY = leave and keep going. |
| run throughInseparable | rehearse or review from start to finish | THROUGH = every item, in order. |
| run bySeparable | tell someone an idea to get their reaction | You move it past them for a look. |
| run upSeparable | accumulate a large bill or debt | UP = the number climbs. |
| run downSeparable2 meanings | criticize; lose power; hit with a vehicle | DOWN = reduce — the battery, or the person. |