run the place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'run the place' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "run the place" when you're referring to someone being in charge or taking responsibility for something. For example, "John was promoted to manager - now he's running the place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Branson could run the place.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Peggy would run the place.

The New York Times

Trump and Republicans run the place.

The Washington Post

Bea's grandsons run the place now.

The New York Times

We don't run the place at all".

The New York Times

"They give new ideas to run the place," he said.

The New York Times

We still need a nominee to run the place".

The New York Times

"He didn't think I could run the place without him".

The New Yorker

"I have to run the place by myself," Glucksman insisted.

The New Yorker

Indeed, under the Spaniards, missionising friars had run the place.

The Economist

Sherri quit her day job to run the place.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run the place", ensure the context clearly indicates what "the place" refers to. Be specific if necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "run the place" when you mean to convey influence without direct control. The phrase implies full management responsibility, not just advisory input.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run the place" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of managing or controlling a specific location or organization. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, affirming its role in indicating responsibility and authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run the place" is a common and widely accepted way to describe someone who is in charge of a particular location or organization. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal situations, alternatives like "manage the establishment" may be more appropriate. The phrase is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a versatile option for expressing the idea of being in control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage the establishment

Focuses on the act of managing a business or organization in a formal sense.

oversee the operations

Highlights the supervisory role in ensuring the place functions smoothly.

be in charge of the facility

Emphasizes the responsibility and authority over a specific location or building.

control the business

Indicates a strong influence and decision-making power within the company.

administer the organization

Implies a formal and structured approach to managing an entity.

direct the enterprise

Suggests guidance and leadership in a business venture.

operate the venue

Focuses on the practical aspects of running a specific location or event space.

head up the department

Indicates leadership within a specific section of an organization.

supervise the location

Highlights the monitoring and oversight of a physical space.

take the reins

Suggests assuming control and responsibility, often after a transition.

FAQs

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

You can use "run the place" to describe someone who is in charge or manages a particular location or organization. For example, "After the owner retired, his daughter began to "run the place"."

What are some alternatives to using "run the place"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "manage the establishment", "oversee the operations", or "be in charge of the facility" instead of "run the place".

Is "run the place" formal or informal?

"Run the place" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "administer the organization".

What does it mean to "run the place"?

To "run the place" means to be in control of and responsible for the management and operation of a specific location, business, or organization.