run on gas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run on gas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vehicle or machine that operates using gasoline as fuel. Example: "My car tends to run on gas more efficiently after a tune-up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

And that's why we're pursuing "grand challenges" like making solar energy as cheap as coal, and building electric vehicles as affordable as the ones that run on gas.

The New York Times

Buses and HGVs should run on gas.

The Guardian

All buses in Delhi have to run on gas.

The Guardian

The compressors that liquefy gas run on gas themselves.

The New York Times

Your car may run on gas for now, but commercial vehicles are increasingly going electric.

MIT Technology Review

Generators that run on gas or diesel have been powering hospitals, apartment buildings, restaurants and other structures.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The other four prototypes run on gases.

Forbes

Doha, running on gas, plotted its own role and deepened relations with Tehran.

The Guardian - Opinion

It runs on gas, with over 80% efficiency far more than a conventional power station or boiler.

The Economist

Since it runs on gas pressure instead of electricity, it can be used in both dry and wet environments.

MIT Technology Review

The word has exploded with the increase in the number of machines and computers: a train runs on tracks, a car runs on gas, an iPad runs apps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the fuel source of a vehicle or machine, ensure the context makes it clear whether you are referring to gasoline, natural gas, or another type of gaseous fuel. Be specific if necessary.

Common error

The term "gas" can be ambiguous. Specify "gasoline" or "natural gas" if the context doesn't clearly indicate the type of gas being used, preventing confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run on gas" functions as a verb phrase, describing the source of energy or fuel that powers a machine or vehicle. It indicates the type of fuel used for operation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common use in describing vehicles, generators and power plants.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run on gas" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that uses gas as its primary fuel source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media, academic research, and scientific discussions. While the term "gas" can be ambiguous, specifying "gasoline" or "natural gas" can improve clarity. Related phrases include "operate on gasoline" and "powered by gas". Understanding the specific type of gas and context is crucial for effective communication. The phrase's frequency and authoritative sources indicate its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operate on gasoline

Uses a more formal verb, 'operate', and specifies 'gasoline' instead of the general term 'gas'.

powered by gas

Emphasizes the source of power using the passive voice and the preposition 'by'.

fueled by gas

Similar to 'powered by', but uses the verb 'fueled' to highlight the act of providing fuel.

use gas as fuel

States the function of gas more explicitly as a fuel source.

gas-powered

An adjective describing something that is powered by gas.

gas-operated

An adjective form that is similar to 'gas-powered'.

rely on gas

Highlights the dependence on gas as a resource.

depend on gas for energy

More explicitly describes the type of dependency (energy) and the resource (gas).

consume gas

Focuses on the action of using or 'consuming' the gas.

utilize gas

Uses a more formal verb 'utilize', suggesting efficient use of gas.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "run on gas"?

It means that the vehicle or machine uses gas, typically gasoline or natural gas, as its primary fuel source to operate. For example, a car might "run on gas", meaning it uses gasoline to power its engine.

What are some alternatives to saying "run on gas"?

You can use alternatives like "operate on gasoline", "powered by gas", or "fueled by gas" depending on the context. These phrases emphasize the energy source.

Is it more environmentally friendly to "run on gas" or electricity?

Generally, running solely on electricity (especially if sourced from renewable sources) is considered more environmentally friendly than running on gasoline, which produces emissions. However, the environmental impact of natural gas is more complex and depends on factors like methane leakage.

Which is correct, "run on gas" or "runs on gas"?

"Run on gas" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "hybrid cars run on gas and electricity"), while "runs on gas" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "this generator runs on gas").