run its course

USAGE SUMMARY

"run its course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means for an event or situation to complete its natural progression or follow its expected timeline. For example, "The pandemic will eventually run its course, but it could be several more months before it ends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Let it run its course.

The New York Times

We'll let it run its course".

The Guardian - Sport

Just let it run its course.

The New York Times

Let it run its course and hit the bottom".

The New York Times

We let it run its course".

Huffington Post

It had run its course".

Independent

Now it has run its course.

The New York Times

It has run its course.

The Guardian - Business

I think it's run its course.

The Guardian - Music

But I feel it has run its course.

Independent

"It's run its course.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run its course" when you want to convey that a process, event, or situation should be allowed to proceed without interference until its natural end.

Common error

Avoid using "run its course" when active intervention is necessary to prevent a negative outcome. The phrase implies a passive approach, which may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run its course" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a verb phrase within a sentence. It signifies the natural progression and conclusion of an event, process, or situation without external interference. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from illnesses to investigations, emphasizing an acceptance of the unavoidable timeline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run its course" is a common idiom used to describe the natural progression and conclusion of an event or process, as confirmed by Ludwig. It implies a passive approach, allowing something to proceed without interference. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates that it is most frequently used in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, remember that it is not always appropriate to use this phrase, particularly when active intervention is necessary to prevent a negative outcome. Alternatives like "come to an end" or "reach its conclusion" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to an end

Focuses on the termination of something, emphasizing the finality of the process.

reach its conclusion

Highlights the achievement of a final state or result after a period of development.

reach its natural end

Emphasizes that the ending is a normal and expected part of the process.

exhaust itself

Implies that something has used up all its resources or energy and is no longer effective.

peter out

Suggests a gradual decline and eventual cessation of activity or effect.

draw to a close

Indicates that something is nearing its end, often used in formal contexts.

expire

Specifically refers to the termination of a validity period or agreement.

finish its cycle

Highlights that something has completed a full sequence of events or stages.

be completed

Emphasizes the act of finishing or bringing something to a state of completion.

dissipate

Implies that something gradually fades away or disappears.

FAQs

What does "run its course" mean?

The idiom "run its course" means to proceed naturally until the end. It implies allowing something to develop without interference.

How can I use "run its course" in a sentence?

You might say, "The illness needs to "run its course"", meaning the person needs to recover naturally without intervention. Or, "The investigation will "run its course"", meaning it will continue until all evidence is examined.

What are some alternatives to "run its course"?

Some alternatives include "come to an end", "reach its conclusion", or "peter out", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to let something "run its course"?

No, it's not always appropriate. If intervention is necessary to prevent harm, letting something ""run its course"" could be detrimental. For example, a business problem might need immediate action, not passive observation.