run over

USAGE SUMMARY

"run over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can mean to drive over something, to exhaust a subject or to gain control of something. For example, "I ran over the old toy car with my bike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Were you run over?

The New Yorker

He ended up run over twice.

The New York Times

"It's like being run over," he said.

The New York Times

"His cat got run over," Matt reports.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What happens if I'm run over?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Don't get run over!

Forbes

"Run over, run over the settlers," goes its refrain.

Vice

"I believe you've run over".

Vice

We didn't get run over by them.

Los Angeles Times

"People were getting wedged, run over, pinned.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

CBS didn't have a football run-over Sunday, but it did have a tennis run-over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run over" in a professional setting to mean 'review', ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Instead of saying "Let's run over the report", you could say "Let's quickly review the report".

Common error

Avoid using "run over" too casually in informal writing when referring to accidents as it may come across as insensitive. Consider alternatives like "was hit by" or "collided with" to convey empathy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run over" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as a predicate in sentences to describe actions such as driving over something, exceeding a time limit, or reviewing information. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "run over" is a common expression with multiple meanings, ranging from physically driving over something to exceeding a time limit or quickly reviewing information. Ludwig shows it's versatile but context-dependent. While generally acceptable, more precise alternatives may be preferable in formal writing. The AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase, reflecting its widespread application in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive over

Focuses specifically on the action of driving a vehicle over something or someone.

go over

Similar to "run over" when referring to reviewing or rehearsing something.

knock down

Implies causing something or someone to fall by hitting them, often with a vehicle.

review quickly

Refers to a brief and rapid examination or summary of something.

rehearse briefly

Emphasizes the act of practicing quickly before a performance.

exceed the limit

Indicates surpassing a predefined boundary, whether in time, quantity, or scope.

exceed allotted time

Specifically refers to using more time than allocated.

overwhelm

Suggests a feeling of being overpowered or inundated by something.

roll over

Suggests the action of turning over completely, or crushing.

trample on

Implies disregarding or crushing someone's rights or feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "run over" in a sentence?

You can use "run over" in various contexts. For example, "The car "ran over" a pothole", or "Let's "run over" the presentation one more time".

What does "run over" mean when discussing time?

When discussing time, "run over" means to exceed the allotted or scheduled time. For example, "The meeting "ran over" by 15 minutes".

What can I say instead of "run over" when referring to a car accident?

Instead of "run over", you can use phrases like "hit by a car", "struck by a vehicle", or "knocked down" to describe a car accident.

Is it appropriate to use "run over" in formal writing?

The appropriateness of using "run over" in formal writing depends on the context. While acceptable, it's often better to use more precise alternatives such as "exceed", "review", or "collide with" for clarity.