a bar run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bar run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or activity where a group of people visits multiple bars in a single outing, often for socializing or celebrating. Example: "We organized a bar run for my birthday, visiting three different places in one night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

First, there is the matter of the restaurant's name, formerly that of a bar run by Ms. Boo in Osaka.

The New York Times - Food

Doscher, who grew up near the College of Staten Island, said a bar run by a friend's family was swept away.

The New York Times - Sports

In a few weeks she will be at the seaside in Ostia, working in a bar run by her aunt and uncle.

The Guardian

Jenny, clutching an army green sack, arrives in a bar run by George (the excellent Ed Dixon), a portly fellow with a fine baritone.

The New York Times

There is a bar run by tenants, a cafe, a laundry – where cards are swiped rather than cash used – a fitness centre and a common house which tenants can hire for parties.

The Guardian

The club will feature a Cottontail Lounge "where the Bunnies come out to play"; a bar run by Salvatore Calabrese, "the world's leading cocktail expert"; "Gentlemen's Tonic", which "affords the modern man a traditional barbershop"; as well as a sports bar, and a smoking terrace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We're not trying to run a bar — running a brewery is hard enough," said Mr. Muller.

The New York Times

Inside is a single room, with a bar running two-thirds its length.

The New York Times

There's a solitary dining room, big enough for a pot-bellied stove, about six tables, booths and a bar running the length of the left side.

The New York Times - Travel

A bar running along the wall, zooming from hip to shoulder height and back again, managed to split and unify the restaurant at the same time.

The New York Times

The staff are warmly welcoming and well-drilled, and the restaurant is a great space, too – a dark, cosy and informal, with a bar running along one wall and a fishmonger's shop at the entrance.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bar run" when describing the management or operation of a bar by a specific individual or group. For example, "a bar run by tenants".

Common error

Avoid using "a bar run" when you actually mean a liquid spill or a stocking ladder – "run" has other meanings. Consider whether your sentence might be misinterpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bar run" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the operation or management of a bar or, less commonly, the act of visiting multiple bars. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bar run" is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, but its usage is nuanced. It primarily refers to the operation or management of a bar. Less frequently, it can describe the action of visiting multiple bars, though more common terms like "pub crawl" or "bar hopping" are often preferred. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While grammatically sound, clarity is key, as the word "run" has multiple meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pub crawl

Focuses specifically on visiting multiple pubs, which are a type of bar.

bar hopping

Emphasizes the act of moving from one bar to another.

tavern tour

Implies a structured visit to multiple taverns, which are similar to bars.

pub tour

Similar to "tavern tour" but emphasizes pubs.

drinking spree

Highlights the consumption of alcohol across different locations, though not necessarily only bars.

drinks tour

Implies a visit to various drinking establishments.

alcohol tour

A broader term that may include distilleries or breweries in addition to bars.

night out drinking

A general term referring to an evening dedicated primarily for alcohol consumption.

booze cruise

Suggests an excursion with the primary purpose of consuming alcohol.

nightcap excursion

Refers specifically to end-of-night drinking visits.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a bar run" and "bar hopping"?

"A bar run" generally refers to the operation or management of a bar, or a single instance of going to multiple bars. "Bar hopping" is more specifically and commonly used to describe the activity of visiting multiple bars in a single outing.

What are some alternatives to "a bar run" when describing an event?

When describing an event where people visit multiple bars, you can use alternatives like "pub crawl" or "bar hopping".

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

You can use "a bar run" to describe who manages or operates a bar, for example: "There is a bar run by the governor's wife." You can also use it to describe the action of moving between bars, though this is less common.

Is "a bar run" formal or informal language?

The formality depends on the context. Describing bar management is neutral. Using "a bar run" to describe visiting multiple bars is more informal; "pub crawl" or "bar hopping" might be preferable in formal contexts.