I must run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I must run" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a necessity or obligation to leave or move quickly, often in a casual or urgent context. Example: "I appreciate the conversation, but I must run to catch my train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I must run," he recalled.

The New York Times - Style

I must run!" It all happened so quickly.

The New Yorker

Crook: "I must run away from you, as you are after me".

The Guardian - Film

I remember thinking, I must run because my life depends on it – I knew it wasn't real, but I couldn't help myself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Martin Jacques, the magazine's editor, understandably, did not trust me to do it and said I must run it by Stuart.

The Guardian - Opinion

("Batman Returns... and I must run home to collect my 3D glasses!") The best thing about the announcement that Amazon is to open actual bookstores is that it will remove the need for this charade.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

For example, in WCE, it must run continuously for at least 10 h.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

If the private sector is a net saver, the public sector must, I repeat must, run a deficit.

Huffington Post

"It must run in the family," I bragged.

Huffington Post

"We may only put a question in mathematics (or make a conjecture)," he adds (PR §151), "where the answer runs: 'I must work it out'".

SEP

You must run!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "I have to go" or "I need to leave" in less urgent situations where a softer tone is preferred.

Common error

While "I must run" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal settings. Phrases like "I must depart" or "I am required to leave" might be more appropriate for maintaining a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I must run" functions as a declaration of intent to depart or move quickly. It combines the modal verb "must", expressing obligation or necessity, with the verb "run", indicating the action to be performed. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I must run" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to express the need to leave quickly. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to consider the level of formality, opting for alternatives like "I have to go" or "I need to leave" in less formal settings, and "I must depart" in more formal ones. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, making it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary for signaling departure with a hint of urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have to go

Implies a general obligation to leave, often without specifying urgency.

I need to leave

Similar to "I have to go", but can suggest a personal need rather than an external obligation.

I've got to dash

More informal and emphasizes quick departure.

I should be off

Indicates a polite and somewhat less urgent departure.

I'm needed elsewhere

Explains the reason for leaving, highlighting a responsibility.

Duty calls

A somewhat humorous way to say one must leave due to obligation.

I am obliged to leave

More formal way of saying one has to leave.

Time to make tracks

An idiomatic way to express leaving.

I am required to depart

Formal expression meaning to leave.

My presence is required elsewhere

A formal and slightly indirect way of saying that one needs to be somewhere else.

FAQs

How can I use "I must run" in a sentence?

You can use "I must run" to indicate a need to leave quickly. For example: "I enjoyed our conversation, but "I must run" to catch my bus."

What is a more formal alternative to "I must run"?

In formal settings, you might prefer phrases like "I must depart" or "I am required to leave", which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I must run"?

Yes, "I must run" is grammatically correct. "Must" is a modal verb, and it's properly followed by the base form of the verb "run".

What's the difference between "I must run" and "I have to run"?

While both phrases indicate an obligation, ""I must run"" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of urgency or internal obligation, whereas "I have to run" often suggests an external requirement.