Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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run, runs, running, ran

Synonyms: race, sprint, dash, hurry, manage

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Antonyms: walk, stop, stand, halt, rest

The Verb Run – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb run is an extremely common and versatile irregular verb. Its core meaning is to move with your legs at a pace faster than walking. However, it has dozens of other meanings related to operating, flowing, managing, and continuing.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: run
■ Past Simple: ran
■ Past Participle: run
■ Present Participle/Gerund: running


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Run' is one of the most adaptable verbs in English.


1. Moving on Foot
This is its primary, literal meaning.


■ Exercise/Sport: 'I run five kilometers every morning.'


2. Operating or Managing
This refers to making a machine, system, or business function.


■ Business: 'She runs her own company.'
■ Machinery: 'Is it okay to leave the engine running?'
■ Software: 'What operating system does your computer run?'


3. Flowing or Spreading
This applies to liquids, colors, and other flowing things.


■ Liquids: 'Tears ran down her cheeks.'
■ Colors: 'The colors in my new shirt ran when I washed it.'


4. Continuing for a Period
This describes the duration of an event or state.


■ Events: 'The festival will run for three days.'
■ Family: 'Musical talent runs in her family.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: PHRASAL VERBS AND PAST PARTICIPLE


■ Past Participle Form: A very common grammatical error is to use 'ran' as the past participle. The correct form is run.
■ Correct: 'I have run out of milk.'
■ Incorrect: 'I have ran out of milk.'


■ Phrasal Verbs: The meaning of 'run' changes dramatically in phrasal verbs. Some common examples include:
■ Run into: To meet someone by chance.
■ Run out of: To use up your supply of something.
■ Run over: To hit something with a vehicle.
■ Run away: To escape or leave a place.
■ Run for: To campaign for a political office.