a reason to run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reason to run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a motivation or justification for fleeing or escaping a situation. Example: "When the storm approached, we all felt a reason to run towards safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"People need a reason to run fast".

The New York Times

"That's not a reason to run for office.

The New York Times

For Dr. Alonso, 53, those statistics made the job attractive, rather than a reason to run.

The New York Times

Often that involves finding a reason to run that is bigger than you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have a reason to run: we have a war to win".

The New York Times

A reason to run for office is to reform the system".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Is there any reason to run a 60-minute version up to four times when a 360-second recap would suffice?

The New York Times - Sports

"My feeling all along has been that if he ran, it would be because he had a real reason to run, and frankly, he and John McCain have a lot in common," Mr. Lieberman said.

The New York Times

Vehicles and high speed crashes have been thrilling in previous Battlefield games, but this time there's an actual reason to run an opponent over in your police car.

Independent

And, he said, there's a good reason to run on asphalt, at least if you want to compete.

The New York Times - Health

But like I said, that's not necessarily a good reason to run out and see it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a reason to run", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean fleeing from something undesirable or pursuing a goal with determination. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a reason to run" in situations where a more specific verb would provide better clarity. For instance, instead of saying someone had "a reason to run a business", specify their motivation (e.g., "a reason to start", "a reason to expand", or "a reason to restructure" the business).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reason to run" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a motive, cause, or justification for taking action, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reason to run" is a commonly used phrase that expresses a motivation or justification for action, often in the context of either fleeing from something or pursuing a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure clarity in its usage to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "a motive to flee" or "a cause to escape" may provide a more specific meaning depending on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a motive to flee

Focuses more specifically on the act of fleeing, emphasizing the internal drive behind it.

a cause to escape

Highlights the justification for escaping a situation, suggesting external pressures.

a justification for flight

Formal and emphasizes the rationalization behind fleeing.

an impetus to leave

Indicates a driving force that compels someone to depart.

a motivation to abscond

Suggests a secretive or hurried departure, often to avoid legal consequences.

a need to take off

Informal and emphasizes the urgency of departure.

grounds for departure

More formal, implies established reasons or conditions for leaving.

a compelling reason to go

Emphasizes the strength and persuasiveness of the reason.

trigger for escape

Highlights the event or circumstance that initiates the escape.

basis for elopement

Typically used in the context of running away to get married, implying secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "a reason to run" in a sentence?

You can use "a reason to run" to express motivation for fleeing or pursuing something. For example, "The approaching storm gave them "a reason to run" for cover" or "Finding a cure for the disease is "a reason to run" clinical trials".

What are some alternatives to "a reason to run"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a motive to flee", "a cause to escape", or "an impetus to leave".

Is "a reason to run" formal or informal?

"A reason to run" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though the specific context will ultimately determine its appropriateness.

What does it mean when someone says they have "a reason to run"?

It typically means they have a compelling motivation or justification to either flee from a dangerous or unpleasant situation, or to pursue a particular goal with energy and determination.