run by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone in control or in charge of an event or activity. For example, "The event is being run by the student committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run by their people!

The New York Times - Books

Watches horses run by.

The New Yorker

Biogenesis was run by Bosch.

The New York Times - Sports

They are run by graduates.

The Economist

The system is run by useful idiots.

The New Yorker

The remainder is run by local authorities.

The Economist

These classes are run by British Muslims.

Independent

Most are run by loyal commissioners.

The New York Times

These investments were run by management companies.

The New York Times

It is run by a benevolent technocracy.

The Economist

That side's run by Flora Street.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organization or system, use "run by" to clearly indicate who is in charge or responsible for its operation. For example, "The company is run by a team of experienced professionals."

Common error

Avoid using "run by" when you actually mean something is influenced by something else. "Run by" implies direct control, not just influence. For example, it is more accurate to say that "the decision was influenced by public opinion" rather than "run by public opinion" if the public did not have direct control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run by" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It is used to indicate either the act of managing or operating something, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "The system is run by useful idiots", or to signify briefly informing someone of an idea or proposal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run by" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: to manage or operate something, and to briefly inform someone of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common in written English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, and while suitable for neutral registers, should be carefully considered in formal or highly technical writing. Remember to consider the context and intent when using "run by", ensuring you convey the intended meaning of management or brief communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed by

Focuses specifically on the act of managing or administering something.

operated by

Emphasizes the action of operating or running a system or organization.

overseen by

Highlights the supervisory aspect, indicating someone is watching over operations.

administered by

Implies a more formal or official management structure.

controlled by

Stresses the aspect of having control or authority over something.

governed by

Suggests a formal system of rules and regulations.

briefly inform

Refers specifically to the communication aspect of sharing information.

quickly consult

Emphasizes the act of seeking advice or opinions briefly.

present concisely

Focuses on the presentation of information in a brief manner.

touch base with

Informal way of suggesting a brief check-in or communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "run by" to indicate who is in charge of something, as in "The store is "run by" a local family", or to describe briefly informing someone of something, as in "Let me "run by" my ideas first".

What are some alternatives to saying "run by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "managed by", "operated by", or "overseen by" when referring to management. If you mean to briefly inform, consider "briefly inform" or "quickly consult".

Is it correct to say "ran by" instead of "run by"?

"Ran by" is the past tense form of "run by", so it's correct when referring to a past action. For example, "The company was "ran by" her father before she took over".

What's the difference between "run by" and "influenced by"?

"Run by" implies direct control and management, while "influenced by" suggests that something has an effect on something else without necessarily controlling it. A company is "run by" its CEO, but its decisions might be "influenced by" market trends.