ran a cable

USAGE SUMMARY

"ran a cable" is a correct grammatical usage in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is running a cable in a physical sense, such as threading a wire through a wall, or in a figurative sense, such as setting up an online connection. Example: The technician ran a cable through the wall to connect the TVs in the two rooms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They ran a cable from the dish through a window into their living room.

The New York Times

When Time Warner ran a cable operation (it spun it off in March), investors doubted it could focus properly on either content or distribution.

The Economist

In one, they ran a cable from near the car to near the key and used it to transmit the signals.

MIT Technology Review

Team members ran a cable from Eagle's arresting hook to the trees, and moored the racer to the biggest trunk — about 30 inches in diameter.

The New York Times - Science

Then he ran a cable from a computer to a clinical waveform generator, a device that translates heart rhythm and blood pressure into electrical impulses, and which biomedical engineers use to test the accuracy of hospital equipment.

The New Yorker

If I ran a cable company, I'd certainly be worried (and that explains why some, like Time Warner Cable, are fighting to keep cable networks from putting their programs, like "The Daily Show" online).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But its quiver does not including running a cable network.

The New York Times - Sports

Early in Bonnie Hammer's first stint running a cable network, she knew something was wrong.

The New York Times

There was no way to run a cable under the highway.

The New Yorker

Run a cable across the road and he'd go flying into next week.

The Economist

All that is required is to run a cable to my house.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ran a cable", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and destination of the cable. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ran a cable" without specifying the type of cable (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, fiber optic) if the distinction is relevant to the context. Being vague can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran a cable" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of establishing a physical connection using a cable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ran a cable" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered verb phrase used to describe the action of physically connecting devices or systems using a cable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting examples predominantly from news and media sources. While "ran a cable" is generally appropriate, specifying the type of cable and the purpose of the connection can enhance clarity. Alternatives like "installed a cable" or "connected a cable" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. Despite being relatively uncommon, its usage is straightforward and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connected a cable

Highlights the act of linking devices or systems with a cable.

installed a cable

Focuses on the action of setting up the cable connection.

laid a cable

Emphasizes the physical placement of the cable.

routed a cable

Focuses on directing the cable along a specific path.

extended a cable

Implies lengthening an existing cable connection.

hooked up a cable

An informal way of saying connected the cable.

fed a cable

Implies guiding or threading the cable through a space.

wired up a connection

Emphasizes the complete act of wiring a system.

established a cable link

Highlights the creation of a communication pathway via cable.

stringed a cable

Focuses on suspending the cable, often overhead.

FAQs

How can I use "ran a cable" in a sentence?

You can use "ran a cable" to describe the action of physically connecting a cable between two points, such as "He ran a cable from the router to the computer."

What's the difference between "ran a cable" and "installed a cable"?

While both phrases are similar, "ran a cable" emphasizes the action of routing the cable, whereas "installed a cable" focuses more on the completion of the setup.

What can I say instead of "ran a cable"?

Alternatives include "connected a cable", "laid a cable", or "routed a cable", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "ran a cable" in formal writing?

Yes, "ran a cable" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though in highly technical or formal contexts, using a more precise term like "installed a cable" may be preferred.