run to

USAGE SUMMARY

"run to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone quickly traveling or hurrying in a particular direction, or when you are encouraging someone to take action. Example: "Run to the store and grab some milk before it closes!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run to him?

The New Yorker

Run to be strong.

The New York Times - Sports

Contests run to encourage business.

The New Yorker

Run to the window — phew!

The New York Times

Don't run to the drugstore.

The New Yorker

The run to 60 m.p.h.

The New York Times

Do you run to music?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do you ever run to music?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

run to regain the series points lead.

The New York Times

I started to run, to escape.

The New York Times

I don't run to any stores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run to" to describe quick movement toward a specific location or person. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "run to". Ensure it's clear whether you're describing a physical action or a figurative action like seeking help or refuge. Add clarifying details if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run to" is that of a phrasal verb, indicating movement towards a destination or a state. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing this usage, supporting its identification as a directional verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run to" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe movement towards a destination, seeking assistance, or finding refuge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. For alternatives, consider phrases like "rush towards" or "hurry toward" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry toward

Emphasizes speed and direction, similar to "run to" but with a more formal tone.

rush towards

Implies a sense of urgency and quick movement in a specific direction.

sprint to

Highlights the speed of movement, suggesting a very fast run.

dash to

Indicates a quick and sudden movement towards a specific location.

race to

Suggests a competitive element or a need to arrive before others.

make haste to

A more formal and archaic way of saying "run to", emphasizing urgency.

scramble to

Implies a rushed and somewhat disorganized movement towards a goal.

hasten to

Similar to 'make haste to', indicating quick action but with a more literary feel.

fly to

Suggests a very rapid movement, almost as if flying.

bolt to

Implies a sudden and rapid escape or movement toward something.

FAQs

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

You can use "run to" to describe physical movement (e.g., "I had to run to the store before it closed.") or to express seeking help or refuge (e.g., "She always runs to her mother when she has a problem.").

What are some alternatives to "run to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "rush towards", "hurry toward", or "sprint to".

Is "run to" formal or informal?

"Run to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional or academic settings.

When is it appropriate to use "run to" figuratively?

You can use "run to" figuratively when describing someone seeking comfort, help, or advice from another person or place. For example, "He ran to his mentor for guidance" implies that he sought help from his mentor.