run over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run over time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that an activity or event has taken longer than expected. For example, "The meeting ran over time, extending into the evening hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Those frameworks are basically about the scaling of practices, based on the experiments that they have run over time.

Forbes

Without media training, some speak off mic, others run over time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's just what marriage is about," the philosophical Lou tells her, "having your toes run over time and time again".

The New York Times - Books

The waiter needs the table back – we've run over time – so we find ourselves on armchairs next to half the cast of Made in Chelsea.

The Guardian - Film

Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, objects saying questions have been allowed that run over time but the speaker dismisses him saying Plibersek should know better.

The Guardian

Those that have commenced construction have run over time and over budget, exactly as happened in the last big nuclear boom of the 1970s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This could be a godsend for event organisers who just know the event will run over-time.

TechCrunch

Upfront costs are high and construction projects are notorious for running over time and over budget.

The Economist

Meetings failed to cover all agenda items and frequently ran over time.

Harvard Business Review

As it is, East Timor's development record is mixed, improving off a low human base but with major projects running over time and over budget.

The Guardian

But there is nothing intellectually or even voyeuristically alluring about the idea of Pataki running over time, as the focus groups quietly go to sleep.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing projects or scheduling events, use "run over time" to clearly communicate that the duration has exceeded the initial estimates. This sets expectations and helps in planning adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "run over time" in contexts where the literal meaning of "run over" (as in being hit by a vehicle) could be misinterpreted. Ensure clarity by using alternative phrasing like "exceeded the scheduled duration" if ambiguity is a concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run over time" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a verb construction. Ludwig AI confirms its usage to describe the duration of an activity or event extending beyond the planned or expected timeframe. It often acts as a predicate, modifying a subject to indicate this temporal extension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run over time" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that an event or activity has lasted longer than expected. Ludwig AI validates its frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretation, especially in situations where the literal meaning of "run over" could be confusing. Consider more formal alternatives like "exceeded the allotted time" in professional settings. Understanding its applications can help in effective communication regarding scheduling and project management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the time limit

Focuses specifically on surpassing a set time boundary.

go beyond the allotted time

Emphasizes a pre-determined time that has been surpassed.

overrun the schedule

Specifically relates to a project or timetable that extends beyond its original deadline.

take longer than planned

Highlights the deviation from the initial duration estimation.

extend beyond the deadline

Similar to "overrun the schedule" but can apply to various types of deadlines.

continue past the scheduled end

Formal way of saying something lasted longer than it should.

last longer than anticipated

Highlights the unexpected duration of the event or activity.

protract beyond expectations

Formal and emphasizes the unexpectedly lengthy duration.

be delayed

Focuses on the delay aspect, which is often a consequence of running over time.

stretch beyond the estimated duration

Highlights the deviation from the expected or estimated duration

FAQs

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

You can use "run over time" to describe a situation where something lasts longer than planned, such as, "The meeting "ran over time" due to extensive discussions."

What is a more formal way to say "run over time"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "exceeded the allotted time" or "extended beyond the scheduled duration" to convey the same meaning.

Is "ran over time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ran over time" is the past tense of "run over time" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The project "ran over time" and went over budget."

What's the difference between "run over time" and "behind schedule"?

"Run over time" indicates that an activity lasted longer than expected, while "behind schedule" indicates that an activity is not yet completed by the expected deadline. They are related but describe slightly different aspects of timing.