did not run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not run" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a negative action that occurred in the past. For example: "I was supposed to run a 5K race yesterday, but I did not run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We did not run away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Joel did not run.

The New York Times

They did not run.

The New Yorker

They did not "run away" from responsibility.

The New Yorker

The food did not run out.

The New York Times

And he did not run away screaming.

The New York Times

She did not run in 2015.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He did not run after LeBron James.

The New York Times - Sports

"He did not run," the prosecutor said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Heller didn't run.

The New Yorker

She didn't run.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not run", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is not running from or in. For instance, "He did not run from his responsibilities" is clearer than "He did not run."

Common error

Avoid using "did not run" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "The program did not run as expected", consider using "The program malfunctioned" or "The program encountered errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not run" functions as a negative verb phrase, indicating the absence of the action of running in the past. It is used to negate the action, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not run" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the absence of the action of running in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, from personal choices to political races. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Remember to use it clearly and precisely, considering more specific alternatives when appropriate. Understanding its nuances will help you communicate effectively and avoid common writing errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not take part

A more general phrase indicating the absence of participation in an event.

didn't participate

This alternative focuses on the absence of involvement or participation in an event or activity.

was not involved

Emphasizes a lack of implication or participation in a specific situation.

did not compete

This alternative is specific to situations involving competitions or contests, highlighting the absence of participation.

did not engage

Suggests a lack of interaction or participation in an activity or event.

chose not to run

This alternative suggests a deliberate decision to abstain from running, implying a conscious choice.

abstained from running

Implies a voluntary decision to not participate, often for moral or ethical reasons.

refrained from running

This implies a more formal or deliberate decision to avoid running, often due to specific circumstances or constraints.

opted out of running

Highlights the choice to exclude oneself from the activity.

was not a runner

This alternative shifts the focus to the person's identity or role, indicating they were not someone who typically runs.

FAQs

How can I use "did not run" in a sentence?

You can use "did not run" to indicate a lack of participation or action. For example, "She "did not run" in the marathon due to an injury" or "The application "did not run" as expected".

What are some alternatives to "did not run"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "didn't participate", "did not compete", or "chose not to run". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "did not run" or "didn't run"?

Both "did not run" and "didn't run" are grammatically correct. "Didn't run" is a contraction and is more common in informal contexts, while "did not run" is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "did not run" and "was not running"?

"Did not run" indicates a completed action (or lack thereof) in the past, while "was not running" implies a continuous state in the past. For example, "He "did not run" the race" versus "He "was not running" at the time of the incident".