outrun

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'outrun' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a verb meaning "to run faster than someone or something else so as to escape or leave them behind." For example: "I managed to outrun my competitors and cross the finish line first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, for my gut, that's the kind of assault that no amount of jogging can outrun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The plant retirement rate has simply outrun the replacement rate.

The Guardian - Business

They "knew we could outrun him" but "just before we started the race he said, 'Now you have to move back a hundred yards and give me a head start.'" Cain says he doesn't remember who won – "it was just so much fun" – but that he'll "never forget the time" that his dad's "amazing ability to think on his feet...got himself out of a jam".

The Guardian - Opinion

Many reviewers have commented how perfect the trainers are for "kicking [Texas governor] Rick Perry's ass", or how the trainers were "guaranteed to outrun patriarchy".

The Guardian

Khan will never outrun the questions about his chin, but Algieri – with eight knockouts in 21 paying fights – would seem ill-equipped to ask them.

The Guardian - Sport

The poor sod is dead on his feet and can't outrun Kerome Boateng, who gets back to relieve him of possession.

The Guardian - Sport

They fell in love and lived in hiding, in an unsuccessful bid to outrun the secret police.

The Guardian

SINCE the 1970s trade across the Pacific has far outrun the Atlantic sort.

The Economist

When one laces up his boots to run, his friend scoffs that he can't outrun a bear.

The Economist

Nobody minds that cars can outrun the fastest athlete, or that cranes can lift heavier weights than the strongest man.

The Economist

A stagnating world, on the other hand, requires a more limited state, lest expanding commitments outrun a slow-growing economy's ability to fund itself.Stay out of the kitchenThe divergence camp seems to have the better arguments.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outrun", consider the context carefully to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of surpassing or escaping, whether in a literal or figurative sense.

Common error

Avoid using "outrun" solely to indicate general surpassing; ensure there's an element of speed, evasion, or escape implied. For general cases of surpassing consider alternatives as "exceed" or "surpass".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outrun" is as a transitive verb. It typically signifies the action of moving faster than another entity, either literally in running or figuratively in surpassing or evading something. Ludwig AI confirms this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "outrun" is a versatile verb commonly used to describe surpassing or escaping something, either literally through speed or figuratively through progress. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While semantically related phrases like "escape from" or "surpass" exist, "outrun" uniquely conveys the element of speed or evasion. Remember to use "outrun" when implying a race, chase, or need to escape, ensuring that you're accurately conveying the intended meaning of surpassing through velocity or strategic avoidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escape from

Focuses on evading a situation or entity, rather than surpassing in speed or progress.

evade

Implies skillfully avoiding something, often a threat or pursuer.

get away from

Implies avoiding or fleeing a person, place, or thing.

stay ahead of

Highlights maintaining a lead or advantage over something or someone.

shake off

Emphasizes the act of losing or freeing oneself from someone or something.

leave behind

Highlights the act of surpassing and distancing oneself.

distance oneself from

Indicates creating emotional or physical separation from a situation or person.

exceed

Emphasizes surpassing a limit or expectation, not necessarily through speed.

surpass

Focuses on exceeding or going beyond something, often in achievement or quality.

beat

Highlights defeating someone in a competition or race

FAQs

How can I use "outrun" in a sentence?

You can use "outrun" to describe physically running faster than something, as in "The athlete managed to outrun his opponent". It can also be used figuratively, such as "The company's profits outrun its expenses".

What is the difference between "outrun" and "escape"?

"Outrun" implies using speed to get away from something, while "escape" ("escape from") is a more general term for getting free from confinement or danger, not necessarily involving speed.

What can I say instead of "outrun"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exceed" (if referring to quantities), "surpass" (if referring to achievements), or "evade" (if referring to avoiding something).

Is it correct to say "outrun my problems"?

Yes, "outrun my problems" is correct, using "outrun" figuratively to mean escaping or overcoming challenges through effort or strategy. But for something less active and more static, alternatives as "get away from" could work better.