run the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'run the course' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a process that is happening over a period of time or one that has a set goal. It can also be used to talk about a competitor running a race, or putting forth effort to complete a task. Example: He had worked hard to run the course and achieve the results he was aiming for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I didn't run the course.

The New York Times

"I just wanted to run the course".

The New York Times - Sports

But he would probably have earned the right to run the course until he stumbled.

The New York Times

And, Brenly said, they expect the Kim experiment to run the course of spring training.

The New York Times - Sports

The Chinese competitors, including some who have already run the course, are known to be formidable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I recently asked Karen Caplan, the C.E.O. of Frieda's, if açaí had run the course from boom to bust.

The New Yorker

Franieck said his desire to run the course would not take away resources from those running the race legally.

The New York Times - Sports

Isn't that a bit boring, asks Holly Rigby, a full-time activist helping to run the course.

The Guardian

After the 35-year lease expires, the city can negotiate a deal with anyone or run the course itself.

The New York Times

Pizzirani The university received EU funding to run the course so I had virtually no tuition fees.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don't try to speed-run the course.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run the course" in the context of project management or strategy, ensure that the surrounding sentences clearly define the specific 'course' being referred to, whether it's a project timeline, a marketing campaign, or a series of strategic initiatives.

Common error

Avoid unintentionally blending the literal sense of physical movement with the metaphorical sense of completing a process. For instance, don't follow a sentence about "running the course" of a business deal with language that evokes physical exhaustion or athletic competition, unless that's the intended effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run the course" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "run" acts as the main verb and "the course" serves as the direct object. Ludwig indicates its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run the course" is a versatile expression that can describe both physical activity and abstract processes. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s grammatically sound and finds widespread use across numerous contexts. It's frequently used in News & Media, Science and Wiki. When employing this phrase, it's vital to ensure that the intended meaning—whether literal or metaphorical—is clearly conveyed to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "complete the course" and "traverse the course". Remember to maintain consistency in tone and imagery, and to avoid inadvertently mixing physical and abstract interpretations. With its extensive usage and clear grammatical structure, "run the course" is a valuable addition to any writer's lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete the course

Focuses on finishing the predetermined path.

navigate the track

Highlights skillful movement along a path.

traverse the course

Emphasizes the act of traveling across the route.

finish the race

Specifically refers to completing a competitive event.

execute the plan

Shifts the focus to implementing a strategic plan.

undertake the training

Highlights engaging in a training program.

go through the process

Generalizes the act of experiencing a procedure.

manage the project

Centers on overseeing and controlling a project's progress.

take the path

Focuses on choosing and following a route.

work through the curriculum

Emphasizes studying and progressing in a school curriculum.

FAQs

How can I use "run the course" in a sentence?

You can use "run the course" to describe physically completing a race, like: "She trained hard to "run the course" in record time." It can also mean allowing a process to fully develop, such as: "Let the investigation "run the course" before drawing conclusions."

What phrases are similar to "run the course"?

Alternatives include "complete the course", "traverse the course", or "execute the plan" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ran the course" or should I say "run the course"?

Both are correct, but they have different tenses. "Ran the course" is past tense (e.g., "She ran the course yesterday"), while "run the course" is present tense or used in infinitives (e.g., "I want to "run the course"").

What does it mean to let something "run its course"?

To let something "run its course" means to allow a situation, process, or event to develop naturally until its natural conclusion, without interference. For example, "We decided to let the illness "run its course" instead of taking medication."