a run of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a run of" is a common phrase that is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sequence or series of events or actions that occur in quick succession. Here is an example: "After a run of failed attempts, she finally managed to solve the puzzle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A run of bad results.

Independent

Take a run of your own.

The New York Times - Sports

A run of corruption scandals has already battered his government.

The Economist

The car is limited to a run of 25.

The New York Times

He enjoys a run of successful lecture engagements in Richmond.

The Economist

For Krzyzewski, it ends a run of disappointing tournament appearances.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The morning seemed like a run-of-the-mill weekday.

The New York Times

"It's not a run-of-the-mill syllabus," said M.N.

The New York Times

It was just a run-of-the-mill virus!

The New York Times - Health

Smith began as a run-of-the-mill purse snatching.

The Washington Post

A run-of-the-mill footballer's tale this is not.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a run of" to describe events or items that occur consecutively. For example, "The team had a run of successful games."

Common error

Avoid using "a run of" when referring to the physical act of running. For example, it is incorrect to say "He went for a run of 5 kilometers." Instead, say "He went for a 5-kilometer run."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a run of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, modifying the subsequent noun. It specifies a consecutive sequence or series of something, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "a run of bad results" and "a run of successful lecture engagements."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a run of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a sequence or series of events, items, or experiences that occur consecutively. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and is widely used across various contexts. While "a run of" is prevalent in news, sports, and scientific articles, it is also suitable for formal business communications and general writing. Remember to use "a run of" to refer to a consecutive series and avoid using it for literal physical runs. Alternatives such as "a series of" or "a succession of" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of

Emphasizes a sequence of similar things in a particular order.

a string of

Implies a continuous sequence, often of related or similar items.

a succession of

Highlights the following of one thing after another, often in time.

a streak of

Suggests a period of success or luck.

a spell of

Indicates a limited period of time characterized by a specific condition.

a chain of

Highlights interconnected events or items.

a wave of

Conveys a sudden increase or surge.

a cycle of

Implies a repeating sequence of events.

a patch of

Describes a short period of something.

a flurry of

Indicates a sudden burst or commotion.

FAQs

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

Use "a run of" to describe a series or sequence of events or items occurring consecutively. For example, "The company experienced a "a run of" successful product launches."

What are some alternatives to "a run of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a series of", "a succession of", or "a string of".

Is it correct to use "a run of" to describe a physical run?

While "run" can refer to the physical act of running, "a run of" is typically used to describe a sequence or series of events, not a physical exercise. For a physical run, use "He went for a run" rather than "He went for "a run of"."

What's the difference between "a run of" and "a series of"?

"A run of" often implies a continuous or uninterrupted sequence, while "a series of" can refer to a set of related events or items that may not necessarily be consecutive. Both phrases describe a sequence, but "a run of" adds the nuance of continuity.