going for a run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going for a run" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of running for exercise or leisure. Example: "After work, I enjoy going for a run to clear my mind and stay fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You're going for a run?

The New York Times - Sports

I kept on going for a run.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're going for a run," the woman said.

Princeton University

(See: brunch, the mini-break, going for a run).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But nothing that kept me from going for a run along the river.

The New York Times

And then the skin is smart and knows that you're going for a run, and stiffens.

The New York Times - Science

I'd try and pre-empt the hedonistic strike ahead by going for a run.

The Guardian - Travel

It's midnight and you're going for a run though the city.

The New York Times - Sports

Enter skyrunning, essentially going for a run somewhere very high up.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Instead, she went for a run.

The New York Times

Then she goes for a run.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going for a run" to describe a casual or recreational running activity, not necessarily a competitive one.

Common error

Avoid using "going for a run" when specifying a precise distance or training goal. Opt for "running a 5k" or "training for a marathon" instead, to provide more clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going for a run" functions as a noun phrase acting as a gerund, describing the activity of running as a leisure or exercise pursuit. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that this phrase is commonly used across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Lifestyle

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going for a run" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe running as a recreational activity. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, lifestyle content, and everyday conversations. While generally neutral in tone, it's best used for describing casual runs rather than specific training regimens. Consider alternatives like "going for a jog" or simply "running" depending on the context to increase writing diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going for a jog

Synonymous replacement of "run" with "jog".

taking a jog

Replaces "run" with "jog", implying a slower pace.

taking a run

Swaps the gerund form "going" with "taking".

going out for a run

Similar to 'heading out', adds a sense of leaving to run.

heading out for a run

Adds a directional element, implying departure for the activity.

running

Uses the continuous tense of the verb 'run'.

going for a sprint

Replaces "run" with "sprint", implying a faster pace.

doing some running

Emphasizes the activity of running.

doing a running workout

More specific, indicating a structured exercise session.

exercising by running

Highlights the purpose of running as a form of exercise.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "going for a run"?

You can use alternatives like "going for a jog", "taking a run", or simply "running" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "went for a run" instead of "going for a run"?

"Went for a run" is the past tense of "going for a run" and is grammatically correct when describing a completed action. For example, "I went for a run this morning".

What's the difference between "going for a run" and "going for a sprint"?

"Going for a run" generally implies a moderate pace for a sustained period. "Going for a sprint" suggests a short burst of high-intensity running.

When should I use "going for a run" versus "running"?

"Going for a run" is often used in a more casual context, suggesting a recreational activity. "Running" can be used more broadly to describe the act of running in general, or in more formal contexts.