run a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run a course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the development of an event, either in the physical or figurative sense. Example sentence: The protests ran their course and eventually the government agreed to their demands.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I've never run a course this bumpy before, and it's not a feel-good course".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was told that there wasn't a need to run a course just for women.

Independent

"She hasn't run a course with hills on it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

My mind and my heart had to run a course to reach alignment, and I knew Amanda was already there.

The New York Times

By and large the German developments have run a course parallel to those in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Within the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at King's College London, we run a course for 2nd year undergraduates entitled "Animal models of disease and injury".

Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Alice Farnham with the Royal Philharmonic Society runs a course for female conductors.

The Guardian - Music

We'll be running a course at the MIT Media Lab.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It also looks at the dynamics of running a course entirely online.

Case Studies in Partnership and Collaboration Education and Training for the Oil and Gas Industry

He once ran a course at the International Metaphysical University of West Virginia.

Independent

Let's hope for your sake the Brit School ran a course in it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run a course" to describe a process or event, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to managing a course or participating in one. For example, use "They run a course on marketing" to signify management and "They run a course with obstacles" to signify participation.

Common error

A common error is using "run a course" without clarifying who or what is doing the running. Ensure that the subject is clearly defined, to avoid ambiguity. Instead of saying "The project ran a course", be specific: "The project team ran a course of simulations".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run a course" depends on the context. It can act as a verb phrase where "run" is the main verb, indicating the action of managing, conducting, or participating in a course. As Ludwig AI says, it's generally correct and usable. Examples show its usage in academic, sports, and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run a course" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, encompassing both the management of an educational or training program and the act of physically traversing a specific route. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications and less often in encyclopedias or wikis. When using "run a course", clarity is key; ensure that the context specifies whether you're managing the course or physically taking part in it. Consider alternatives like "manage a program" or "complete a curriculum" to fine-tune your meaning. Finally, remember that the phrase is adaptable, fitting into both formal and informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage a program

Focuses on the management aspect rather than the execution or experience of a pre-defined series of events.

conduct a training

Implies leading or organizing a training session, emphasizing instruction.

administer a module

Focuses on the aspect of managing or delivering a specific segment of learning.

organize a workshop

Highlights the organizational aspect of a hands-on learning event.

offer a seminar

Implies offering a talk or series of meetings for discussion or instruction.

undertake a study

Emphasizes the engagement in research or investigation, rather than a planned curriculum.

execute a plan

Highlights implementing the steps of a pre-defined plan.

complete a curriculum

Focuses on finishing a defined educational path.

take a class

Highlights the participation as a student in an educational setting.

experience a process

Focuses on the personal encounter or involvement within a procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "run a course" in a sentence?

You can use "run a course" to describe managing an academic course, as in "The university /s/run+a+course for international students". It can also describe following a physical route, as in "The athletes /s/run+a+course through the mountains".

What does it mean to "run a course"?

To "run a course" can mean to organize and manage a course of study or training. Alternatively, it can mean to physically traverse a specific route or path, particularly in sports or races.

What can I say instead of "run a course" when referring to teaching?

Instead of "run a course", you could say "teach a class", "conduct a training", or "lead a seminar", depending on the specific context and format of the educational activity.

Is it correct to say "running a course" instead of "run a course"?

Yes, "running a course" is grammatically correct. "Run a course" is typically used as an infinitive or imperative, while "running a course" is the gerund form, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. For example: "/s/Running+a+course marathon requires extensive training".