I ran for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I ran for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the purpose of running, often in the context of a race, election, or a cause. Example: "I ran for the local council to make a difference in my community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I ran for it.

The New Yorker

I ran for president.

The New York Times - Sports

I ran for my father".

The New York Times - Books

"I ran for mayor.

The New York Times

"I ran for President.

The New Yorker

"That's why I ran for office.

The New York Times

"I ran for my life," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

I ran for the stairs.

The Guardian

"I ran for office citywide," she said.

The New York Times

At first, I ran for county legislator.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So I ran for my life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I ran for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you were running for (e.g., office, cover, your life) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I ran for" in situations where a different verb like "sought" or "pursued" would be more appropriate, as it can create confusion about the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ran for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of competing or campaigning for a specific purpose or position. It describes the act of being a candidate or contestant, as illustrated in Ludwig examples like "I ran for president" or "I ran for mayor."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I ran for" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe the act of competing or campaigning for something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly used in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what you ran for. While generally neutral, avoid misusing it in contexts where other verbs like "sought" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I competed for

Focuses on the act of competing rather than the specific objective.

I campaigned for

Emphasizes the active promotion of a cause or candidate.

I contended for

Highlights the struggle or effort involved in pursuing something.

I stood for

Implies representing a cause or set of values.

I sought

A more general term indicating an attempt to obtain something.

I pursued

Suggests a determined effort to achieve a goal.

I aimed for

Emphasizes the setting of a target or objective.

I strived for

Focuses on the effort and dedication towards achieving a goal.

I aspired to

Highlights the ambition or desire to achieve something.

I worked towards

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to reach a particular outcome.

FAQs

How do I use "I ran for" in a sentence?

Use "I ran for" to indicate that you were a candidate or contestant in an election, race, or competition. For example, "I ran for the local council to make a difference in my community."

What can I say instead of "I ran for"?

You can use alternatives like "I competed for", "I campaigned for", or "I sought depending on the context".

Which is correct, "I ran for" or "I run for"?

"I ran for" is the past tense, used to describe a past event. "I run for" is the present tense, used to describe a habitual action or a current intention. Use the tense that matches the time frame you're discussing.

When is it appropriate to use "I ran for my life"?

Use "I ran for my life" to express that you were in a situation of extreme danger and had to run to survive. It indicates a desperate attempt to escape harm.