run overtime

USAGE SUMMARY

"run overtime" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to exceed the scheduled time or run longer than expected. Example: The meeting ran overtime due to the lengthy discussion on the budget proposal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They would rather run overtime than take the chance of over-hiring.

The New York Times

ALEX ROSS: There are many other questions awaiting replies, but I'm afraid we've run overtime and must end the session.

The New Yorker

The city's sprinklers run overtime to keep the soil saturated with water, so that no more tents can be put up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even with a dawn-to-dusk schedule, the meetings often run overtime, creating a logjam that she is left to contend with.

The New York Times

The big machines, which used to run overtime carving  custom furnishings for private homes, Roman palazzi  and even the  Vatican,  sat idle on a shop floor nearly devoid of workers.

The New York Times

One actress I met described the lover's-wife roles as her worst assignments: in addition to making her feel guilty and terrible, they tended to run overtime, and the husbands shouted and behaved aggressively.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Robbins ran overtime; he ran overbudget.

The New Yorker

A lot! Clinton ran overtime — surprise!

The New York Times

Groeschner said there were significant costs to the event running overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

He had an interview with a woman named Annie Jenks that ran overtime.

The New Yorker

When the finale of "American Idol" ran overtime, some digital video viewers missed the most important moment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run overtime" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is exceeding the time limit. For example, specify "the meeting ran overtime" or "the project ran overtime".

Common error

Avoid using "run overtime" without specifying the subject. Instead of saying "Things ran overtime", clarify by stating "The negotiations ran overtime", providing specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run overtime" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of an event, meeting, or process exceeding its allocated or scheduled time. Ludwig AI validates its use, providing several examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run overtime" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe events or activities that exceed their scheduled time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, clarity is key; avoid ambiguity by specifying what is exceeding the time limit. Consider alternatives like "exceed the time limit" or "go beyond schedule" for nuanced expression. Overall, "run overtime" is a reliable phrase when used with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the time limit

Emphasizes surpassing a specific temporal boundary or restriction.

go beyond schedule

Focuses on deviating from a predetermined timetable or plan.

overrun the allocated time

Highlights surpassing the amount of time that was initially set aside.

take longer than planned

Indicates that the duration extended past the original estimation or expectation.

extend beyond the deadline

Stresses the act of surpassing a final completion date.

continue past the cutoff

Suggests that an activity or event persisted after a defined point of termination.

last longer than expected

Conveys the idea that the duration was greater than initially anticipated.

draw out

Implies the action of making something last longer, often unnecessarily.

stretch out

Describes extending something in time, often suggesting a less efficient use of time.

prolong

Emphasizes the intentional lengthening of something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "runs overtime"?

When something "runs overtime", it means it exceeds the scheduled time or lasts longer than expected. This can apply to meetings, projects, or any time-bound activity.

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

You can say things like, "The meeting "ran overtime" because of the unexpected questions" or "The project "is running overtime" due to unforeseen complications".

What are some alternatives to saying "run overtime"?

You can use alternatives like "exceed the time limit", "go beyond schedule", or "take longer than planned" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "run overtime"?

Yes, "run overtime" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, ensuring appropriate usage in diverse writing scenarios.