he ran down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he ran down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving quickly downwards, either physically or metaphorically, such as running down a hill or running down a list of items. Example: "He ran down the stairs to catch the bus before it left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He ran down everything.

Independent

Catlike, he ran down everything.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran down.

The New York Times

He ran down Bolt from behind.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran down a short list.

The New York Times

He ran down the longest, fastest straight toward the cars.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran down the line and slid under my catcher.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran down the citations in the anthology, branching out into art, literature, science.

The New Yorker

When receiver Michael Jenkins stumbled, he ran down Ryan's floater in the end zone.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran down a barricaded street a short distance from the bombing.

The New York Times

Busch was so incensed by the incident that he ran down Hornaday and crashed his truck hard into the wall.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he ran down" to describe physical movement, ensure the context clearly indicates the direction or object being approached. For example, "He ran down the stairs" is clearer than "He ran down."

Common error

Avoid using "he ran down" without specifying what is being run down, as it can lead to ambiguity. For instance, saying "He ran down" leaves the reader wondering what he was running down: a street, a list, or something else entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he ran down" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating physical movement in a downward direction or pursuit, as exemplified by Ludwig. In some contexts, it describes the act of quickly reviewing a list or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he ran down" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase with various meanings. As validated by Ludwig, it primarily describes physical movement downwards or a chase, but can also refer to quickly reviewing information. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts. The most frequent context is News & Media. It is important to specify what exactly is being "run down" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he sprinted down

Replaces "ran" with a synonym indicating a faster pace.

he dashed down

Similar to 'sprinted', emphasizing the suddenness and speed of the movement.

he hurried down

Indicates a sense of urgency in his descent.

he rushed down

Synonymous with 'hurried', highlighting the speed and possible disorganization.

he descended quickly

A more formal way of saying 'he ran down', focusing on the act of descending.

he made his way down rapidly

Expresses movement with increased verbosity.

he traversed down

A less common alternative, suggesting a more deliberate or challenging descent.

he chased after

Focuses on the pursuit aspect, changing the context slightly.

he pursued downhill

Highlights the direction of movement and the act of pursuing something or someone.

he advanced along

Emphasizes forward movement while potentially covering ground.

FAQs

What does "he ran down" mean?

The phrase "he ran down" generally means someone moved quickly in a downward direction or pursued something with haste. It can also mean that someone reviewed a list or details quickly. The exact meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "he ran down"?

You can use alternatives like "he sprinted down", "he dashed down", or "he rushed down" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he ran down" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he ran down" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

How do I use "he ran down" in a sentence?

Here are some examples: "He ran down the street after the thief." or "He ran down a list of potential candidates."