has run its course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has run its course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has reached the end of its useful life or is no longer effective. Example: "The project has run its course, and it's time to move on to new initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one knows whether it has run its course or whether it represents a new norm.

Cornell University

Now it has run its course.

The New York Times

It has run its course.

The Guardian - Business

But I feel it has run its course.

Independent

People have married, procreated, tragically died as it has run its course.

Independent

"I'm really proud of Theory, but it has run its course," says Sims.

Vice

Absent change, the reset has "run its course," as Mr. Aslund put it.

The New York Times

It is a relationship that has run its course.

The Guardian - Sport

It looks as if your friendship with Cat has run its course.

The Washington Post

Fortunately, it appears that, barring "events," the oil price surge has run its course.

Forbes

Jack has run its course".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has run its course" when referring to processes, trends, or relationships that have reached a natural or logical end. It's effective in conveying a sense of completion and the need to move on.

Common error

Avoid using "has run its course" to describe something that is merely facing temporary challenges or setbacks. Ensure there's a clear indication that the subject's period of effectiveness is genuinely over, not just experiencing a lull.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has run its course" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject has completed its natural or intended duration or effectiveness. Ludwig confirms that it's a standard English phrase. Examples show its use in describing the end of trends, relationships, and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has run its course" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something has reached its natural or intended end. Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples across diverse sources demonstrate its versatility and widespread acceptance. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, conveying a sense of completion or obsolescence. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject has genuinely concluded its period of effectiveness, rather than merely facing temporary setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has come to an end

Focuses on the termination or conclusion of something, emphasizing the finality of the event.

has reached its conclusion

Highlights the achievement of a final state or outcome, implying a natural or predetermined endpoint.

has expired

Suggests that something has lost its validity or effectiveness due to the passage of time or fulfillment of a condition.

is no longer effective

Emphasizes the loss of ability to produce the desired result or outcome.

is obsolete

Indicates that something is outdated and no longer in use because something newer or better exists.

is finished

A simple and direct way of saying something is completed or over.

has lost its relevance

Highlights that something is no longer pertinent or applicable to the current situation.

has outlived its usefulness

Focuses on the fact that something is no longer capable of providing any benefit or service.

has played out

Indicates that something has unfolded completely, often implying a natural or predictable sequence of events.

has become outdated

Emphasizes that something is no longer current or fashionable, typically due to the introduction of something newer.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has run its course"?

It means that something has reached the end of its natural or intended duration, effectiveness, or relevance. It suggests that whatever it was, it's now complete or obsolete.

How can I use "has run its course" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the end of a project, a trend, a relationship, or any process that has reached its conclusion. For example: "The marketing campaign "has run its course", and we need a new strategy."

What can I say instead of "has run its course"?

You can use alternatives like "has come to an end", "has expired", or "is no longer effective" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has run its course" in formal writing?

Yes, "has run its course" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is widely understood and used across various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and business reports.