run down

USAGE SUMMARY

"run down" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the feeling of being exhausted or worn out ("I'm feeling really run down today"), or to describe the physical deterioration of a building or another object ("This old house is really run down now"). For example: "They had been running around all day, so by the evening they were both feeling completely run down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Run Down?

Independent

"You seem really run down".

The New Yorker

It was run down.

The New York Times

"They run down fences.

The New York Times

We were run down.

The New York Times - Sports

But they have been run down.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He ran down everything.

Independent

ESPN.com runs down the possibilities.

The New York Times - Sports

They ran down every path.

The New Yorker

Catlike, he ran down everything.

The New York Times - Sports

Sweat runs down our bodies.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run down" to mean 'criticize', be mindful of the tone and context to avoid sounding overly harsh or insensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "run down" without considering its multiple meanings. If you mean 'exhausted', don't use it in a context where it might be interpreted as 'criticize' or 'collide with'. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "run down" functions primarily as a verb with multiple meanings. It can signify physical exhaustion, criticism, or reduction in quantity/quality. Ludwig examples show its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run down" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including feeling exhausted, criticizing, or decreasing in quality or quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very commonly across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, writers should consider the specific context to avoid ambiguity. Being mindful of these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication. The alternative phrases can give you additional options to express slightly different meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhaust

Centers on complete consumption or depletion of energy or resources.

lose power

Describes the gradual loss of energy or functionality.

deplete

Focuses on reducing or exhausting resources or energy.

diminish in condition

Focuses on the decline or reduction in quality or health.

criticize harshly

Emphasizes severe disapproval or negative evaluation.

berate

Highlights the act of scolding or criticizing someone severely and at length.

collide with

Highlights a forceful impact or crash.

knock down

Emphasizes causing something or someone to fall or be destroyed.

track down

Focuses on locating something after a persistent search.

scan quickly

Highlights a rapid and superficial review.

FAQs

How can I use "run down" in a sentence to describe someone's health?

You can say, "He's been feeling "run down" lately because of the lack of sleep" to indicate that he is feeling unwell or lacking energy.

What's a more formal way to say "run down" when referring to a building's condition?

Instead of "run down", you could say the building is "dilapidated" or "in a state of disrepair".

Which is correct, "run down the list" or "ran down the list"?

"Ran down the list" is the past tense, used when the action of reviewing the list has already occurred. "Run down the list" is the present tense, an instruction, or a habitual action.

How can I avoid unintentionally using "run down" in a negative way?

To avoid misinterpretation, consider using synonyms like "deplete" or "exhaust" if you mean to reduce something. If you mean to criticize, alternatives include "berate" or "criticize harshly".