run it by

USAGE SUMMARY

"run it by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in the context of asking someone for their opinion on something. For example: "I'm considering taking a new job, would you mind if I run it by you?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is, of course, not without its pitfalls: what one president tells its agencies, the next could easily undo without having to run it by anyone else.

Huffington Post

I want to run it by you".

The New York Times

We'll have to run it by illegal".

The New Yorker

"I'm assuming Tom had, of course, run it by Garrison".

The New York Times

"I have to run it by Chef Masa," he said.

The New Yorker

Make sure you run it by O'Dowd, Kellyly said.

The Guardian

"Hindsight being 20-20, I wished he would have run it by me," said Mr. Honig.

The New York Times

Now based in Miami, Mr Ivcher continues to run it by telephone.

The Economist

Or "I'll run it by Bob" or "Bob held [see Held] twelve this week".

The New Yorker

Run it by others to see if your reasoning is sound.

The Guardian

"I'd run it by legal myself, but they have a restraining order against me".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run it by", clearly state what 'it' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Can I run it by you?", specify "Can I run the proposal by you?".

Common error

While "run it by" is common, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "seek approval" or "consult" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "run it by" functions as a means of seeking input or approval from another party. Ludwig's examples show it in contexts where a plan, idea, or document is presented to someone for their review and feedback.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run it by" is a very common and correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of seeking feedback or approval from someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and easily understood. While its use is acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. Predominantly featured in News & Media sources, "run it by" is a versatile and practical expression for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bounce it off someone

Suggests an informal and quick check to get a general reaction or gut feeling from someone.

check it with someone

Emphasizes the act of verifying something with another person, often to avoid errors or ensure accuracy.

seek feedback on it

Highlights the act of asking for opinions and suggestions for improvement, emphasizing an iterative process.

get input on it

Focuses on gathering ideas and perspectives from others, often to enrich a plan or proposal.

get approval for it

Focuses more specifically on obtaining official consent or permission, implying a formal process.

consult someone about it

Suggests seeking advice from a knowledgeable person, indicating a need for expert guidance.

share it for comments

Focuses on distributing the information for others to provide remarks and suggestions.

get their perspective on it

Highlights the act of soliciting someone's viewpoint to gain a better understanding or make a well-rounded decision.

get the okay on it

Emphasizes informal approval or clearance, suggesting a quick and simple check.

present it for review

Implies a formal presentation where the main intention is to get careful inspection and critique.

FAQs

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

You can use "run it by" to indicate that you want to share an idea or plan with someone for their feedback or approval. For example, "I'd like to "bounce this proposal off" you before submitting it".

What does "run it by" mean?

"Run it by" means to present something to someone so they can examine it, offer their opinion, or give approval.

Which is correct, "run it by you" or "run it past you"?

Both "run it by you" and "run it past you" are correct and idiomatic. They have essentially the same meaning, though "run it by you" might be slightly more common.

What can I say instead of "run it by"?

Alternatives to "run it by" include "get approval for", "consult with" someone, or "seek feedback on" it.