run it through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run it through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of processing or analyzing something. For example, "We need to run it through the software to see if the information is correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He didn't even bother to run it through spell-check".

The New Yorker

Instead of using steam, they boil pentane and run it through the turbine.

Stanford University

Binary plants like Puna produce water from the subsurface and run it through heat exchangers.

Stanford University

Having run it through the brain once, I have the sense the idea needs work.

Harvard University

To produce txt, latex, html, rtf files from the sgml file, run it through a translator.

Harvard University

(Then, if the site is only in Portuguese, run it through Google Translate).

The New York Times

Before a motherfucker stab somebody, they gotta run it through me".

The New Yorker

Reduce the setting by one notch and run it through twice again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(At my restaurants we run it through our pasta rollers on the second thinnest setting).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rub a drop between palms and run it through hair for maximum shine; $20 at carolsdaughter.com.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Run it through the installation wizard.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run it through" when you want to describe a process of testing, analyzing, or processing something in a concise and easily understood way. It is suitable for both technical and non-technical contexts.

Common error

While "run it through" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In those settings, consider more precise and formal alternatives like "analyze it" or "process it" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run it through" is a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb requiring an object ("it"). Ludwig shows its versatility across varied contexts, indicating its broad applicability in conveying the action of processing or examining something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run it through" is a versatile phrasal verb that commonly means to process, test, or examine something. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, wiki, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "analyze it" or "process it" in highly formal writing. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase. You should also avoid overuse of it in formal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

process it

Focuses on the action of processing, omitting the directional aspect.

analyze it

Highlights the analytical aspect of the action.

check it

Emphasizes verification and validation.

put it through its paces

Implies a thorough testing process.

subject it to

Formally indicates a process or test.

filter it

Suggests a process of refinement or selection.

feed it into

Emphasizes inputting something into a system.

put it under scrutiny

Highlights careful and critical examination.

evaluate it

Focuses on assessing the value or quality.

trial it

Implies testing for a specific purpose or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "run it through" to describe the act of processing or testing something. For example: "Let's "run it through" the software to check for errors" or "I'll "run it through" my mind again before making a decision".

What does "run it through" mean?

"Run it through" generally means to process, test, or examine something using a particular method or system. It implies a step-by-step procedure or analysis.

Which is more appropriate, "run it through" or "process it"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Run it through" is more informal and implies a specific method or system. "Process it" is more formal and general. If in doubt, consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What can I say instead of "run it through" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider using "analyze it", "process it", or "evaluate it" depending on the precise meaning you want to convey.