may run from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may run from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a range or variation in something, often referring to time, distance, or quantity. Example: "The project timeline may run from six months to a year, depending on the resources available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Summer jobs typically run from around May until September winterr jobs, much more limited, may run from October to March.

WikiHow

Later you may run from me.

The New Yorker

Younger people can withstand loud music longer, while older ones may run from it, helping proprietors maintain a youthful clientele and a fresh image.

The New York Times

And indeed, while the first link may run from Bakersfield to that ghostly area outside Borden, that is not the final destination anyone has in mind.

The New York Times

In Italy there are upward of five thousand teams under the jurisdiction of the Federazine Italiana Gioco Calcio, which operates under the Federation Internationale de Football, which decides on rules, whose span of professional activity may run from the time they are 17 until they reac 30.

The New Yorker

In Britain, a system run by a Stirling engine may cost more than £6,000, or $9,500, including installation, and in Germany — where heating systems are generally more expensive — a C.H.P. system may run from €15,000 to €20,000, or $19,800 to $26,400, according to Delta Energy & Environment, a research company based in Edinburgh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

4) People may run away from Obama, unless they don't?

Huffington Post

Some of the reasons given were that boys are free to decide, besides, they may run away from the home if things were forced on them.

BMC Public Health

While you can try playing with an older one, it may run away from you.

WikiHow

Once you relocate the mouse, it may run away from the light.

WikiHow

The average fee for a session with a personal trainer may run anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may run from" to suggest a possibility and not a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "may run from" when you want to express a definite or certain fact. This phrase indicates a possibility or a range, not a fixed value. For instance, instead of saying "The cost may run from $100", when the cost is confirmed to be $100, use "The cost is $100".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may run from" functions as a modal verb construction indicating a potential range or extent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the examples show it used to describe duration, cost, or a series of actions, suggesting possibility rather than certainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may run from" is a useful construction for indicating a range or possibility, rather than a definitive statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news reporting to scientific discussions. While relatively uncommon, its meaning is clear: to express uncertainty or a span of potential outcomes. Remember to use it when expressing a potential range of figures, values, or timelines, not in cases that need to express something certain. Alternatives such as "might extend from" or "could originate from" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might extend from

Focuses on the idea of something continuing or reaching out from a specific point or time.

could originate from

Emphasizes the starting point or source of something, suggesting a potential origin.

can stem from

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, indicating a possible root or reason.

might develop from

Suggests a process of evolution or growth, where something potentially arises out of something else.

may proceed from

Implies a sequential order or logical progression, with one thing potentially following another.

could be derived from

Focuses on the process of obtaining or extracting something, indicating a potential source.

can be traced back to

Emphasizes the ability to follow the path or lineage of something to its potential starting point.

might be associated with

Suggests a potential correlation or connection between two things, without necessarily implying causation.

can be influenced by

Highlights the potential impact or effect that one thing may have on another.

might be a consequence of

Focuses on the potential result or outcome of a particular action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "may run from" in a sentence?

You can use "may run from" to indicate a range or possibility. For example, "The project timeline may run from six months to a year" suggests a possible timeframe for the project.

What are some alternatives to "may run from"?

Alternatives include "might extend from", "could originate from", or "can stem from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "may run from" to express certainty?

No, "may run from" implies a possibility or range, not certainty. If you want to express a definite fact, use a more direct statement without "may".

What is the difference between "may run from" and "will run from"?

"May run from" suggests a possibility or a range of options, while "will run from" indicates a definite plan or certainty. "The event "will run from" July to August" implies a confirmed schedule, whereas "may run from" suggests a possible timeframe.