a little running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of running activity or to indicate a brief period of running. Example: "I like to do a little running in the mornings to start my day off right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Escape is a pipe dream: "Sometimes I wish I could do a little running myself".

The Guardian

"I play a little running back in my dreams," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

He said you ought to be proud because he got Andy Stynchula and a little running back by the name of Dickie James.' " Huff did not care that Sherman, the Giants coach, got two players for him.

The New York Times - Sports

The guy made a little running motion, then mouthed "one hour, every morning".

Huffington Post

But this informal survey of some of the priciest sneaks currently on the market should give you a good idea of just what a little running shoe can do these days: run you right into debt.

Forbes

For All-Star weekend, though, Nowitzki can play "married guy," as Cuban put it — Nowitzki married the art gallery director Jessica Olsson last summer — and maybe get in a little running and lifting.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If your drawers or windows stick a little, run some chapstick along the tracks for a smoother opening.

Huffington Post

"We made a little run there".

The New York Times - Sports

But then the Tuckets seemed a little run down too.

The New Yorker

Hopefully, he'll get on a little run".

The New York Times - Sports

Charming, maybe a little run down, but so peaceful.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your fitness routine, use "a little running" to indicate a moderate or short duration of running as part of your exercise.

Common error

While descriptive, relying solely on "a little running" can limit your vocabulary. Use more specific terms like "jogging", "sprinting", or "interval training" to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little running" functions as a noun phrase, where "little" modifies the gerund "running". It describes a quantity or degree of the activity of running. Ludwig indicates this phrase is suitable for describing minimal levels of physical activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little running" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small amount of running activity, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in indicating moderate or short durations of running. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts. For more specific or descriptive writing, alternatives like "jogging" or "a short run" may be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of jogging

Substitutes "running" with "jogging", implying a gentler pace.

some light running

Replaces "little" with "light", emphasizing the low intensity of the activity.

a short run

Focuses on the duration of the running activity.

a brief jog

Combines the short duration with a gentler pace.

a spot of running

Uses the idiom "a spot of" to denote a small amount, adding a slightly more informal tone.

a small amount of running

More explicitly describes the quantity of running.

some brief cardio

Broadens the activity to any cardiovascular exercise, but retains the briefness.

a touch of running

Emphasizes the minimal effort involved.

a quick dash

Suggests a very fast and short burst of running.

a light sprint

Describes a short burst of running at a moderately high speed.

FAQs

What does "a little running" mean?

The phrase "a little running" means a small amount of running, typically for exercise or recreation. It implies a moderate or short duration of running.

What can I say instead of "a little running"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit of jogging", "some light running", or "a short run" depending on the context.

Is "a little running" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a little running" is grammatically correct. It is a common and acceptable way to describe a small amount of running activity.

How can I use "a little running" in a sentence?

You can say "I like to do a little running in the mornings" or "She incorporates a little running into her weekly workout routine".