he is running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is currently in the act of running or participating in a running activity. Example: "At the moment, he is running in the local marathon, trying to beat his personal best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is running for reëlection.

The New Yorker

He is running out of oil.

The Economist

"He is running away from tribal violence.

Independent

He is running for governor this year.

The New York Times

And he is running the Marathon.

Independent

He is running his province badly.

The Economist

Instead, he is running away from it.

The New York Times

He is running for Congress instead.

The Economist

He is running for a serious job.

The New York Times

He is running a two-track campaign.

The New York Times

He is running as the anti-Clinton.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure subject-verb agreement and proper tense consistency within the surrounding sentences when using "he is running".

Common error

Avoid using "he is running" when a simple present tense ("he runs") is more appropriate for habitual actions or general truths. Use the progressive tense specifically to describe ongoing actions at the moment of speaking or writing.

Linguistic Context

"He is running" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, describing an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase often acts as the main verb in a clause, indicating the subject's present activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is running" is a grammatically sound and exceedingly common expression used to depict a male individual presently engaged in the act of running. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across diverse contexts. Its versatility allows it to function in various scenarios, from literal descriptions of physical activity to figurative expressions of time constraints. The phrase maintains a neutral register, rendering it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is most often used in "News & Media", it is still useful and correct in other contexts. As with any phrase, selecting the best alternative depends on the nuance you want to convey: "he is jogging" or "he is sprinting" specify a more specific type of movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's jogging

Uses a different verb to describe a more relaxed form of running.

he is sprinting

Specifies a high-speed form of running.

he is racing

Suggests a competitive running event.

he is in motion

Generalizes the action to any form of movement.

he is rushing

Indicates urgency in the act of running.

he is on the move

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the movement.

he is dashing

Implies quick and stylish running.

he is progressing rapidly

Shifts the focus to the advancement made through running or a similar activity.

he is escaping

Highlights the purpose of running as avoiding something.

he is advancing

Focuses on forward movement, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

What does "he is running" mean?

The phrase "he is running" describes the action of a male individual moving rapidly on foot. It can also refer to someone who is campaigning for political office, as in "he is running for office".

What are some synonyms for "he is running"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "he is jogging", "he is sprinting", or "he is racing".

How can I use "he is running" in a sentence?

You can use "he is running" to describe someone in motion, for example: "He is running to catch the bus". You can also use it figuratively, such as: "he is running out of time".

Is it correct to say "he running" instead of "he is running"?

No, "he running" is grammatically incorrect. You need the auxiliary verb "is" to form the present continuous tense. The correct phrase is "he is running".