run me through

USAGE SUMMARY

"Run me through" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is used as a request to have someone explain something in more detail, or to give more information on a certain topic or process. For example, "My professor wants me to write a literature review, but I'm not sure how it's done. Could you run me through the steps?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Montaque, in dark jeans and a pale-blue dress shirt with a white collar, greeted everyone genially, then sat down to run me through a beta version of the new platform.

The New Yorker

"This has run me through so many emotions, some of which I didn't know I had," Dr. Guarente told Science magazine in 2004 in an article about the falling out between him and his former student.

The New York Times - Science

Barely an hour after Special Commandant Ian Miller has run me through precisely what one can expect from some sectors of the great British public when you are dressed up as, to all intents and purposes, the enemy, and I am seeing it for myself, up close and in the rather frazzled flesh.

Independent

The sample answers are a bit esoteric at times, as with the question "Can you run me through your background?" The hypothetical answer — from the perspective of an investment-banking analyst — is so heavily laden with banking jargon that users who are seeking a sales job may find it of little help.

The New York Times - Tech

There, Mom would legally transfer ownership to me and by doing it in a licensed gun shop, Pistole could run me through a background check right then, rather than shipping the guns to Virginia and having the check done there.

Vice

Doc told me again about how British Intelligence "had run me through one of their brain laundries". As a result, he suffered from "leg aphasia" - meaning that the mind control he'd been subjected to made it so that when he tried to write (and he meant write fiction), he would get pains shooting in his legs that were so powerful he could not work.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Holland runs me through these changing terrains.

The Guardian - Film

After running me through the details, Rogers sighs.

The Guardian - Opinion

He runs me through his daily input and output regime.

The Guardian - Sport

"Two of his closest friends called and ran me through a quiz," he said.

The New York Times - Books

He ran me through three museums in ninety minutes: it was the White Rabbit tour.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run me through" when you need someone to provide a comprehensive explanation or demonstration of a process, plan, or set of instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "run me through" when you simply need a quick definition or a brief summary. For those cases, a more direct question or request might be more appropriate, such as "What does this mean?"

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "run me through" functions as a request for a detailed explanation or demonstration. It is used when someone wants to understand a process, procedure, or system more thoroughly. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in both news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run me through" is a versatile phrasal verb used to request a detailed explanation or demonstration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific discussions. While it leans towards a neutral register, suitable for professional environments, alternative phrases like "walk me through it" or "explain it to me in detail" might be preferable in more formal settings. Remember to reserve it for situations where a comprehensive understanding is needed, rather than a quick summary. Overall, "run me through" is a valuable addition to your communication toolkit, enabling you to effectively seek thorough explanations and guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk me through it

Changes the verb from "run" to "walk", implying a slower, more deliberate explanation.

explain it to me in detail

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more direct and literal request for a detailed explanation.

give me a detailed explanation

Focuses on receiving a comprehensive explanation.

outline the process for me

Specifies that the explanation should focus on the steps of a process.

break it down for me

Suggests simplifying a complex topic for easier understanding.

take me through the steps

Similar to "walk me through it", but emphasizes the sequential nature of the explanation.

provide a step-by-step explanation

Requests a clear and ordered explanation.

clarify the details for me

Focuses on clearing up any ambiguities or uncertainties.

summarize the key points

Asks for a brief overview of the most important information.

enlighten me on the subject

A more formal and somewhat humorous way of asking for information.

FAQs

What does "run me through" mean?

"Run me through" is an idiomatic phrase that means to explain something to someone in detail, or to guide someone through a process step by step.

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

You can use "run me through" when you want someone to explain something thoroughly. For example, "Can you run me through the new software update?"

What can I say instead of "run me through"?

You can use alternatives like "walk me through it", "explain it to me in detail", or "give me a detailed explanation" depending on the context.

Is "run me through" formal or informal?

"Run me through" is generally considered to be informal to neutral. It's suitable for everyday conversation and many workplace settings, but might not be appropriate for highly formal situations. In such cases, consider asking for a "detailed explanation".