Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
ran
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "ran" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word as a verb; either in the present perfect tense or the past simple tense. Example sentence: She had already ran three miles before she reached the finish line.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Alternative expressions(13)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The academy dismissed claims that its announcement had been scooped by the Aint-It-Cool-News website which ran an early list of supposed nominees.
News & Media
In the days that I followed Jones around, I heard several people who ran training programs in green professions complain that once their students had graduated they couldn't find work.
News & Media
This year they also ran a singing workshop in Wad Ras women's prison.
News & Media
We ran it for three years and it was amazing.
News & Media
If you'd seen what I'd seen in the restaurant my dad ran when I was growing up, the crap we had to put up with from drunks, the puke I had to clean out of the toilets on a Friday and Saturday night, you would know it is not just a religious issue with me.
News & Media
Soderbergh gave up when the passion ran out.
News & Media
GWYNETH PALTROW'S GOING TO SEE MY BITS!!!" After Olley survived exposure to fashionistas while naked in a confined space with flying moths ("I wanted my knickers back on pronto"), she ran across Isabella Blow.
News & Media
Lucky for me, we weren't, as it may sound, in the Sahara desert, we were on the Atlantic coast, so I simply stripped down to my bikini and ran into the sea.
News & Media
People who worked 49-54 hours a week ran a 13% higher risk of developing a "risky alcohol use" habit compared to counterparts who worked a 35-40-hour 35-40-hour 35-40-hour work week
News & Media
The HDP ran on a platform defending the rights of ethnic minorities, women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
News & Media
"Junts tornem", it said, a statement of intent written across the players' "chests as they ran on to the pitch: "together, we'll be back".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "ran" in the context of operating a business or system, ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "The company ran the program" instead of just "The program ran."
Common error
Avoid using "runned" as the past tense of "run"; the correct past tense is "ran". "Runned" is not a recognized word in standard English.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "ran" primarily functions as the past tense of the verb "run". It describes an action of moving rapidly on foot or, in other contexts, operating or managing something. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Academia
5%
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "ran" is the past tense form of "run", widely and correctly used across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical accuracy, and its prevalence in news, business, and general communication underscores its versatility. Whether describing physical movement, operational processes, or management responsibilities, "ran" serves as a fundamental component of English vocabulary. Remember to avoid the non-standard form "runned" and consider synonyms like "sprinted", "managed", or "escaped" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
sprinted
Implies a faster pace than "ran", focusing on speed and intensity.
raced
Implies a competitive aspect to running, suggesting a contest of speed.
dashed
Indicates a quick and sudden movement, similar to a quick "ran".
fled
Similar to "escaped", emphasizing the act of running away from danger or an undesirable situation.
jogged
Suggests a slower, more relaxed pace than "ran".
operated
Refers to managing or directing something, like a business, similar to one sense of "ran".
managed
Similar to 'operated', this relates to overseeing something such as a project or company.
escaped
Highlights the act of fleeing from a situation, implying a rapid departure.
functioned
Indicates how something worked or performed, akin to the meaning of "ran" as in 'the system ran'.
was in charge of
Emphasizes the responsibility and leadership aspect of managing something.
FAQs
How to use "ran" in a sentence?
What can I say instead of "ran" when referring to operating a business?
Is it correct to say "runned" instead of "ran"?
No, "runned" is not a standard English word. The correct past tense of "run" is "ran". Using "runned" is a common grammatical error.
What's the difference between "ran" and "run"?
"Run" is the base form of the verb, used in the present tense or with auxiliary verbs like "will" or "have". "Ran" is the simple past tense of "run", indicating an action that was completed in the past. For example, "I run every day" versus "I "ran" yesterday".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested