a runny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a runny" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has a liquid or fluid consistency, often in reference to bodily fluids or food items. Example: "After eating the soup, I noticed that my nose became a bit runny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One has a runny nose.

The New York Times

(Stay put to dab a runny nose).

The New York Times

The girl had a runny nose.

The New Yorker

Never has a runny nose been so enjoyable.

The New Yorker

Paired with shallot purée, it's a runny affair.

The New Yorker

"First he came down with a runny nose," she said.

The New York Times

Abdul Fatah has a runny nose and broken sandals.

The Guardian

Have it medium-rare over rice, with a runny fried egg ($17) and kimchi.

The New York Times - Food

Then she puréed the kernels before making them into a runny custard.

The New York Times - Food

I don't sleep well and I'm disturbed by itchy eyes and a runny nose.

Independent

The symptoms of a cold are sneezing, a runny nose, sore throat and nasal congestion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical symptoms, use "a runny" to clearly indicate the presence of nasal discharge. For example, "I have a runny nose and a sore throat."

Common error

While "a runny" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "nasal discharge" or "fluid consistency" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a runny" typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun, describing the consistency or state of something. Ludwig shows that it's often used to describe bodily fluids, like in "a runny nose", or food items, as in "a runny egg yolk".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

34%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a runny" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something with a fluid consistency, most often in the context of a runny nose or a runny food item. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, with secondary usage in wikis. While alternatives like "a watery" or "a fluid" exist, the key is to select the most appropriate term for the given context. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing and ensure you're conveying the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a watery

Highlights the presence of water or a water-like consistency.

a drippy

Emphasizes the action of liquid falling in drops.

a flowing

Focuses on the continuous movement of liquid, applicable when describing the consistency of something.

a fluid

Describes something that can flow easily, applicable to both liquids and gases.

a liquid

Emphasizes the state of being fluid, suitable when referring to the nature of a substance.

a thin

Indicates a lack of viscosity or thickness.

a melted

Implies a solid has become liquid through heating.

a mushy

Describes a soft and pulpy consistency, often undesirable.

a viscous

Describes a substance that is thick and sticky, the opposite of "a runny".

a deflating

Used to describe something reducing or losing firmness.

FAQs

How can I use "a runny" in a sentence?

You can use "a runny" to describe something that has a liquid or fluid consistency. For instance, "The sauce had "a runny consistency"" or "I have "a runny nose" because of the cold".

What are some alternatives to "a runny"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a watery", "a fluid", or "a drippy".

Is it correct to say "a runny nose"?

Yes, "a runny nose" is a common and correct way to describe the symptom of having nasal discharge due to a cold, allergies, or other conditions.

What's the difference between "a runny" and "a watery"?

"A runny" generally implies a flowing or discharging quality, often used for noses or sauces, while "a watery" emphasizes the presence of water or a thin, diluted consistency. The terms can be interchangeable, but "a runny" often implies more active movement.