run fingers over

USAGE SUMMARY

"run fingers over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate action of someone lightly gliding their fingers over a surface. For example: She ran her fingers over the keys of the piano, imagining the notes that would come from each one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you're the sort of person who likes to run fingers over surfaces for dust, it'll probably give you a nervo (not that I'm suggesting it's dusty).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Run your fingers over every key: play a chromatic scale and include every note and every key.

WikiHow

I go into record stores and just run my fingers over it, the spines.

The New York Times - Arts

Go to a yarn store and run your fingers over all the soft bundles of wool and cashmere and acrylic.

Huffington Post

They stop to take photographs, lean in to touch the cool metal and run their fingers over its black surface.

MIT Technology Review

Run her fingers over our wedding photo?

The New Yorker

"Customers like to run their fingers over it".

The New York Times

Can he run his fingers over himself on Marr?

The Guardian - Opinion

Run your fingers over the casing to distribute the sausage evenly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Phrenologists would run their fingers over the patient's skull, probing for bumps and indentations.

The Guardian

They run their fingers over its magnificent antlers with a lover's touch.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run fingers over" to vividly describe the act of exploring textures or shapes, adding a sensory dimension to your writing. Consider the emotional context; it can convey curiosity, affection, or even anxiety depending on the situation.

Common error

While descriptive, avoid overusing "run fingers over", particularly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "trace with fingers" or "feel the texture of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run fingers over" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of lightly touching and exploring a surface or object with one's fingers. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating that someone is lightly gliding their fingers over something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run fingers over" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of gently exploring a surface or object with one's fingers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It's primarily descriptive, conveying a sensory experience or highlighting tactile qualities. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is commonly found in news and media, as well as in more informal writing, emphasizing its accessibility and descriptive power. When writing, consider the emotional and sensory impact you wish to convey, and feel free to substitute "run fingers over" with synonyms like "trace with fingers" or "feel the texture of" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace with fingers

Focuses on the act of following a line or shape with the fingers.

feel the texture of

Highlights the sensory experience of touching something.

explore by touch

Emphasizes the act of discovery through tactile sensation.

caress gently

Implies a tender or affectionate touch.

brush fingertips across

Describes a light and quick touching motion.

glide hand over

Highlights the smooth movement of the hand.

stroke lightly

Suggests a soft and repeated touching action.

palpate gently

Implies examination or exploration, often in a medical context.

handle delicately

Emphasizes careful and gentle manipulation.

skim fingers over

Describes a very light and superficial touching motion.

FAQs

How can I use "run fingers over" in a sentence?

You can use "run fingers over" to describe the action of lightly touching and exploring a surface with your fingers. For example, "She "ran her fingers over" the smooth stone, appreciating its coolness."

What can I say instead of "run fingers over"?

You can use alternatives like "trace with fingers", "feel the texture of", or "explore by touch" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "run hand over" or "run fingers over"?

While both phrases are understandable, "run fingers over" is generally more precise and descriptive, emphasizing the tactile exploration with the fingertips. "Run hand over" can imply a broader, less detailed touch.

What does it mean to "run your fingers over something"?

To "run your fingers over something" means to lightly touch and move your fingers across its surface, often to feel its texture, shape, or other qualities. It implies a gentle and often exploratory action.