Today we’re going to learn phrasal verbs with RUN – run around, run for, run off, run on, and many more.
Because these phrasal verbs are all so similar, it’s essential to test yourself by taking a quiz to see if you remember the difference – Download the lesson PDF + quiz to try it!
run after
To chase or pursue
I ran after the bus, but it didn’t stop for me.
run around
1. To run around an area
When I was a kid, I used to run around the neighborhood with my friends.
The kids are running around the neighborhood.
2. To be very busy doing many things
Sorry I haven’t had the chance to call you this week – I’ve been running around between work, school, and soccer practice.
Note: There is also a noun, “runaround.” To “give someone the runaround” means to give them excuses and bad explanations so that they do not get the information or make the progress that they want.
run away
1. To run away from somebody who is chasing you, or in the opposite direction from something.
Everyone ran away from the explosion.
The dog is running away from the boy.
2. When a child or teenager leaves home because of problems with the family.
She ran away from home when she was just 15.
run for
Try to be elected to a political or leadership position.
Mark is running for state senator.
run into
Run into someone = Meet someone unexpectedly.
I ran into my English teacher at the shopping mall.
Run into a problem = Encounter a problem.
I ran into a few problems when I tried to install the computer program, so I had to call a technician.
Run into a brick wall = Encounter an obstacle that is difficult or impossible to overcome.
The peace negotiations ran into a brick wall when both leaders refused to compromise.
run off
To make photocopies.
Can you run off 200 copies of this report?
Run off with (someone) = When a married person abandons their husband or wife and stays together with a new lover.
The actor left his wife and three kids and ran off with a 20-year-old model.
run on
Be powered by
Electric cars run on electricity, not gas.
run out of
Have none left
We ran out of beer at the party, so we had to go buy some more.
The car ran out of gas
run over
1. To hit with a vehicle (car, train, truck)
She’s upset because she ran over a cat while driving home from work.
2. Take more time than planned
The meeting ran over 20 minutes, so I was late for my next appointment
run through
1. Explain quickly
Let me run through the schedule for the tour.
2. Quickly practice or rehearse a play, performance, song, or presentation.
I’d like to run through the presentation one more time to make sure everything’s perfect.
run up
1. Run to somebody or something
As soon as I come home from work, my kids run up to me and hug me.
2. Spend a lot of money on credit
My parents ran up a debt of $10,000 on their credit cards.
run with
Spend time with people (normally bad)
My son’s been running with a bad crowd – his friends like to cut class.
(cut class = not go to class)
Image sources: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Now that you know these phrasal verbs with RUN, it’s time to try the quiz:
Learn more: Different types of phrasal verbs with examples
Learn Phrasal Verbs the Natural Way
If you want to be fluent in English, then you need to know phrasal verbs! However, most traditional English textbooks don’t focus on them.
The Phrasal Verbs in Conversation Course will teach you 500 common phrasal verbs in the context of everyday dialogues.
By listening to and reading the conversations, you’ll understand how each phrasal verb is used in spoken English – and there are plenty of quizzes and exercises for you to practice using the phrasal verbs in your own English.
