coffee running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coffee running" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used informally to describe a situation where coffee is being brewed or served, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "I could smell the coffee running through the kitchen as I woke up."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The operation is lean, with just Stan and his wife, who sits in a glass booth handing out tickets in a makeshift lobby that smells like burnt coffee, running things.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coffee ran 12 yards for the score and Tiffin's kick made it 41-17 with 4 13 to play.

The New York Times - Sports

He and his family farm cocoa and coffee, run a cleaning business, lease out property and manage logistics for international companies.

The Economist

After a couple of weeks they started sending me on epic coffee runs – it's quite a balancing act to transport 10 skinny cappuccinos.

The Guardian - Money

Bronstein prepped Mann to deliver this extended manic rant by having him "spin round, drink lots of coffee, run up and down the block and hyperventilate.

The Guardian - Film

After a month in the office and two-dozen coffee runs, over 90% of the staff still wouldn't interact with me.

The Guardian - Money

Although people who pour coffee, run dress shops and teach school here laugh when someone suggests that he might lose the race, Mr. Riley says he is campaigning as vigilantly as he has for all the other races.

The New York Times

Oh, the love with coffee runs deep.

Huffington Post

Commodity coffee runs less expensive than speciality coffee.

Huffington Post

I've considered cutting out my fancy coffee runs to save hundreds a year.

Huffington Post

If any of this is ringing true to you, chances are that your relationship with coffee runs deep.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brewing coffee" for clarity when describing the act of making coffee. Reserve "coffee running" for informal or creative contexts where the meaning is readily understood.

Common error

Don't assume that "coffee running" is universally understood. In formal writing, replace it with more precise language like "brewing coffee" or "getting coffee" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coffee running" functions as a gerund phrase, potentially describing an activity related to coffee. It can act as a noun, such as in the phrase "that is coffee running in multi-core mode." Ludwig AI indicates a need for context to ensure clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

33%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coffee running" is a less common and somewhat ambiguous way to describe activities related to coffee preparation or acquisition. While Ludwig AI suggests the phrase requires context to clarify its meaning, it can function as a gerund phrase. Given its informal register, it's best to use more precise alternatives like "brewing coffee" or "getting coffee" in formal writing. The usage analysis reveals it appears occasionally in news and media, and science but is largely absent from formal business or academic contexts. Therefore, use this phrase with caution, ensuring the context makes your intention clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brewing coffee

Focuses on the process of making coffee, rather than a task or situation involving coffee.

getting coffee

Emphasizes the act of obtaining coffee, often from a store or café.

fetching coffee

Highlights the errand or task of retrieving coffee for someone.

making coffee

Refers to preparing a cup of coffee.

coffee preparation

Refers to the entire process of making coffee, from grinding beans to serving.

serving coffee

Indicates the act of offering or providing coffee to others.

coffee service

Describes the system or act of providing coffee, especially in a formal setting.

coffee distribution

Implies a broader scale of providing coffee, potentially to multiple people or locations.

supplying coffee

Focuses on the act of providing a stock of coffee, such as to an office or event.

having coffee

Refers to consuming a cup of coffee.

FAQs

What does "coffee running" mean?

While not a standard phrase, "coffee running" can refer to making coffee or obtaining coffee. Its meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "coffee running"?

You can use alternatives like "brewing coffee", "getting coffee", or "making coffee" depending on the context.

Is "coffee running" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "coffee running" is less conventional than phrases like "brewing coffee" or "getting coffee". Its acceptability depends on the formality of the context.

Which is correct, "coffee running" or "running coffee"?

"Running coffee" is less common and may not be easily understood. "Coffee running" is slightly more recognizable but still informal. Consider rephrasing for clarity.