run a bath

USAGE SUMMARY

"run a bath" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing that you are going to fill a bathtub with water. For example, "I'm going to run a bath to relax before bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I run a bath".

The Guardian - Books

Run a bath, put on cologne, set the table.

The New York Times

He's not even going to run a bath in future'".

The Guardian

You wonder if Galloway could run a bath.

The Guardian

I wouldn't trust his chancellor to run a bath".

The Guardian

Mike suggested I go home and run a bath.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Or when he runs a bath for me".

Independent

She was running a bath for her children.

The New Yorker

Overhead, water rattled through the house's antiquated pipes: the sound of Emer running a bath.

The New Yorker

Then someone was running a bath; unfamiliar pipes groaned and eased too near at hand.

The New Yorker

He cooks, runs a bath, gives me a book to read.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and context. Use "run a bath" in everyday conversation or informal writing. For more formal settings, "draw a bath" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses. Ensure you use the correct form, such as "running a bath" or "ran a bath", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run a bath" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of filling a bathtub with water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run a bath" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of filling a bathtub with water. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's versatile and suitable for various contexts, although "draw a bath" is considered a slightly more formal alternative. The phrase appears frequently in news, lifestyle content, and wiki sources, and it's understood across a range of formality levels. Be mindful of using the correct verb tense when incorporating this phrase into your writing, and consider your audience to choose the most appropriate wording. The phrase is generally used to describe an action to prepare before bathing, often implying relaxation or self-care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw a bath

Synonymous with "run a bath", this alternative is slightly more formal.

prepare a bath

A more general way to describe getting a bath ready.

fill the bathtub

Focuses on the action of filling the tub with water.

get the bath ready

A more colloquial and less direct alternative.

turn on the bath

Emphasizes starting the water flow for the bath.

start the bath water

Focuses on initiating the flow of water into the tub.

get a bath going

An informal way of saying you are starting to prepare a bath.

set up a bath

Describes the preparation process more broadly.

plunge into a hot bath

Describes more the action of taking a bath not preparing it. Thus, the lower score.

soak in a hot bath

Implies the act of relaxing in a bath, rather than preparing it.

FAQs

What does "run a bath" mean?

The phrase "run a bath" means to fill a bathtub with water in preparation for taking a bath.

What can I say instead of "run a bath"?

You can use alternatives like "draw a bath" or "prepare a bath" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "running a bath"?

Yes, "running a bath" is correct when describing the action in progress, for example, "She is running a bath for her children".

Which is more formal, "run a bath" or "draw a bath"?

"Draw a bath" is generally considered more formal than "run a bath".