a bank run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bank run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a large number of customers withdraw their deposits from a bank simultaneously, often due to concerns about the bank's solvency. Example: "The news of the bank's financial troubles led to a panic, resulting in a bank run that left the institution struggling to meet withdrawal demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First, a bank run.

The Economist

A bank run is a panic.

The Economist

A bank run is a terrible thing to miss.

The New York Times

Any hint of that would cause a bank run.

The Economist

That set off the equivalent of a bank run.

The New York Times

A bank run could have been quite easily avoided altogether.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even a solvent bank can be broken by a bank run.

The Economist

We hear about a "bank run" in Greece, and the specter of one in Spain.

The New York Times

Argentina's economic collapse of 2001-2 duly prompted a bank run and recession in Uruguay.

The Economist

The extended bank closing is to reduce the risk of a bank run by nervous depositors.

The New York Times

A bank run in Cyprus could start one in other countries with dodgy banks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "a bank run", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation where many depositors are simultaneously withdrawing their money due to fears about the bank's solvency. For example, "The rumor of insolvency triggered "a bank run".

Common error

Avoid using "a bank run" to describe a bank's financial difficulties unless there is evidence of widespread and simultaneous withdrawals by depositors. A bank facing losses isn't necessarily experiencing "a bank run".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bank run" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows it typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific event. For example, "That set off the equivalent of a bank run."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bank run" is a noun phrase that describes a financial crisis scenario where many depositors withdraw their money from a bank simultaneously due to fears about the bank's solvency. Ludwig AI and its examples confirm that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. The phrase typically functions as a subject or object within a sentence, used to describe economic events and their consequences. To avoid misuse, ensure the context clearly indicates widespread withdrawals due to solvency concerns. Some possible substitutes for "a bank run" can be "run on the bank", "financial panic", and "mass withdrawals".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run on the bank

Reorders the words slightly while maintaining the same core meaning.

financial panic

Focuses on the underlying cause and emotional state leading to the event.

depositor panic

Highlights the reaction of those with deposits in the bank.

mass withdrawals

Describes the action taken during a bank run without implying the cause.

rush to withdraw funds

Emphasizes the urgency and collective behavior of depositors.

liquidity crisis

Highlights the bank's inability to meet withdrawal demands.

loss of confidence in the bank

Focuses on the shift in public sentiment that triggers a bank run.

collapse of the bank

Refers to the potential consequence of a severe and sustained bank run.

financial meltdown

Suggests a broader systemic failure triggered by the bank's instability.

banking panic

Generalizes the concept of a bank run to the banking industry as a whole.

FAQs

What exactly is meant by "a bank run"?

The term "a bank run" refers to a situation in which a large number of customers withdraw their deposits from a bank simultaneously because they believe the bank is, or might become, insolvent.

How can "a bank run" be prevented?

Bank runs can be prevented through measures such as deposit insurance, which guarantees depositors' funds up to a certain limit, and by maintaining sufficient cash reserves to meet withdrawal demands. Government intervention and clear communication about a bank's stability can also help.

What are some alternative phrases for "a bank run"?

You can use alternatives like "run on the bank", "financial panic", or "mass withdrawals". Each term emphasizes a different aspect of the situation but refers to the same core phenomenon.

Is "a bank run" always a sign of a failing bank?

Not necessarily. While "a bank run" can be triggered by genuine concerns about a bank's solvency, it can also be caused by unfounded rumors or external economic factors that create a climate of fear and uncertainty. Even a solvent bank can be brought down by