ran aground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran aground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe when a ship runs into a shallow area of water and gets stuck. For example, you could say: "The boat ran aground on the sandbar, and the captain had to call for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We nearly ran aground.

The New Yorker

Youth ran aground.

The Guardian - Sport

Port Royal ran aground.

The New York Times - Science

A few were long and ran aground.

The New York Times

Passionately co-dependent relationships predictably ran aground.

The New Yorker

Almost at that moment we ran aground.

Independent

Deadwood ran aground midway through series three.

The Guardian

It was then that he ran aground.

The New York Times

(A fourth ship ran aground off Cape Cod).

The New Yorker

"Only ran aground once," Mr. Fiddler reminded him.

The New York Times

River trade came to a halt as vessels ran aground.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ran aground", ensure the subject is capable of running aground (e.g., ships, boats). Avoid using it metaphorically unless the context clearly implies a similar kind of unexpected obstruction or failure.

Common error

Avoid using "ran aground" to describe abstract failures that don't involve physical movement or obstruction. For instance, instead of saying "The project ran aground due to budget cuts", use more appropriate phrases like "failed" or "stalled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran aground" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb. It describes the action of a vessel hitting shallow ground and becoming stuck. Ludwig examples show its use in narrative contexts to describe specific incidents, confirming its verbal nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

38%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ran aground" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase primarily used to describe a vessel becoming stuck in shallow water. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use. It frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, ensure that the subject can logically "run aground" and avoid using it in abstract contexts where a more suitable alternative might be more clear. The phrase is neutral in register, making it suitable for various descriptive and factual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grounded

Similar to "ran aground", emphasizing the state of being stuck on the ground.

ran ashore

Highlights the action of going onto land unintentionally.

collided with the seabed

A more technical and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the impact with the ocean floor.

became stranded

Focuses on the state of being stuck and unable to move, akin to a vessel stuck on land.

ended up beached

Emphasizes the final state of being on a beach, due to being stuck.

hit bottom

Indicates reaching a limit or encountering a problem, similar to a ship hitting the seabed.

got stuck

General term for being unable to move forward, similar to a vessel "ran aground".

met with disaster

Focuses on the negative outcome, in a similar way of being stuck unexpectedly with dramatic consequences.

became bogged down

Implies difficulty in progressing, like a ship struggling after "ran aground".

encountered obstacles

Highlights the presence of barriers, as like in "ran aground" being stopped by a natural object.

FAQs

How is "ran aground" used in a sentence?

The phrase "ran aground" describes when a vessel unintentionally hits a shallow area and becomes stuck. For example, "The ship "ran aground" on a sandbar during the storm".

What are some synonyms for "ran aground"?

Alternatives to "ran aground" include "grounded", "became stranded", or "ran ashore". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'run aground' or 'ran aground'?

"Ran aground" is the past tense of "run aground". Use "ran aground" when describing an event that has already occurred and "run aground" when describing a general capability or future event.

Can "ran aground" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used for ships, "ran aground" can be used metaphorically to describe projects or plans that have stalled or failed due to unexpected obstacles. However, be mindful of the context to ensure the analogy is clear and appropriate, as alternatives might be more suitable.