All phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs · 8 in this family
RUN
/rʌn/On its own, run means to move quickly, or to operate. Add a particle and it changes completely:
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. |