not running

USAGE SUMMARY

"not running" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a comparative adjective to describe something that is not in motion, or to indicate that something is inactive or not functioning. For example, "The treadmill was not running, so I went for a run outside instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm not running crazy.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not running.

The New Yorker

You're not running again.

The New York Times

"He's not running from anything".

The New York Times - Sports

They're not running and hiding".

Independent

He's not running the brigade.

The New Yorker

They are not running it.

The Guardian

We're not running the C.O.F.O.

The New Yorker

He's not running for president.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm not running for president".

The New York Times

He's not running for office".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not running" to clearly indicate that something is inactive, whether it's a machine, a process, or a person's involvement in an event. Ensure the context makes it clear what is "not running".

Common error

Avoid using "not running" when a more specific term would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "the program is not running", specify "the program crashed" or "the program is suspended" to provide more precise information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not running" primarily functions as an adjective phrase or a part of a verb phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of inactivity or cessation of operation. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing non-functioning machinery, absence of participation, or a system being down.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not running" is a versatile expression used to indicate inactivity, cessation of operation, or absence of participation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Examples show its frequent appearance in news and media, often describing machines, processes, or a person's involvement (or lack thereof) in events. While simple and direct, it’s important to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "out of service" or "inactive" may be more precise in certain situations. Overall, "not running" serves as a useful and readily understood phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not in motion

Directly states the absence of movement.

not operating

Highlights the cessation of a process or system.

not functioning

Emphasizes the lack of operational capability.

inactive

Implies a state of dormancy or non-operation.

non-operational

A more formal term indicating a state of being not ready for operation.

out of service

Indicates temporary or permanent unavailability, often for machinery or transportation.

not participating

Focuses on the lack of involvement in an activity or event.

not competing

Specifies the absence of involvement in a competition.

closed down

Suggests a permanent cessation of activity, particularly for businesses or services.

standing still

Describes the lack of physical movement or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "not running" in a sentence?

You can use "not running" to describe something that is not in operation, like "The engine is not running" or to indicate someone is not participating in an activity, such as "I am "not running for office"".

What does it mean when something is "not running"?

When something is "not running", it means it is inactive, stopped, or not functioning. This could apply to machines, programs, or even a person's involvement in a race or campaign.

What can I say instead of "not running"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "out of service", "inactive", or "not functioning" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "not running"?

Yes, "not running" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is grammatically sound and easily understood in various contexts.