running in the opposite direction

USAGE SUMMARY

"running in the opposite direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the action of someone or something running in the opposite direction of where they were headed. For example, "The deer startled by the gunshot quickly ran away, running in the opposite direction from the hunters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are running in the opposite direction.

The Washington Post

Traditional chains are running in the opposite direction.

MIT Technology Review

Their meter is now running in the opposite direction, sending power back to the grid.

The New York Times

Zittel was, unfortunately, on the other team, and he began running in the opposite direction.

The New Yorker

And 150 years ago, they were running in the opposite direction of the Civil War.

The New York Times

But now that the vote has proved to be wildly unpopular, the party is suddenly running in the opposite direction.

The New York Times

In the United States, in point of fact, all those trends are running in the opposite direction.

The Economist

The evacuees went down in single file, leaving room for the firemen who were running in the opposite direction.

The New Yorker

They looked like figures in a Sempé drawing, their gaze gallantly running in the opposite direction of everyone else's.

The New Yorker

When a powerful wave sends Bohan running in the opposite direction, a bathhouse and parking lot are visible.

The New Yorker

Chodorow's theory is that male infants nurtured primarily by mothers end up running in the opposite direction: away from mom, the "feminine," and intimacy generally.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running in the opposite direction" to vividly describe a physical or metaphorical retreat from a situation, idea, or trend. It adds a dynamic element to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "running in the opposite direction" in contexts where a more nuanced term like 'reconsidering' or 'dissenting' would be more appropriate. The phrase is best suited for scenarios involving a clear, active departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running in the opposite direction" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe an action of moving away or opposing something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running in the opposite direction" is a versatile and common expression used to describe physical movement away from something, as well as metaphorical avoidance or rejection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and to a lesser extent in science and academic writing. When using this phrase, consider whether a more precise term might be appropriate in formal writing, and avoid misinterpreting its figurative usage. Semantically related alternatives include "heading the other way" and "moving in reverse". Overall, this phrase is a useful tool for vividly depicting avoidance or opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heading the other way

Focuses on the direction of travel rather than the specific action of running.

fleeing the other way

Implies escape or avoidance of something.

moving in reverse

Emphasizes the backward motion, applicable even if not literally running.

taking flight in reverse

Describes a rapid departure in the opposite direction, conveying urgency.

going against the flow

Highlights the act of opposing a general trend or movement.

veering away

Implies a sudden change of direction to avoid something.

retreating backwards

Specifically indicates a movement of withdrawal.

dodging back

Suggests quick and evasive movement.

reversing course

Describes a change in direction, often in a figurative sense.

diverging from the path

Emphasizes leaving a set route or course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "running in the opposite direction" in a sentence?

You can use "running in the opposite direction" to describe someone physically moving away from something, or metaphorically rejecting an idea or trend. For example, "Seeing the crowd, he started running in the opposite direction."

What's a more formal alternative to "running in the opposite direction"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "diverging from the path" or "reversing course" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "running in the opposite direction" appropriate for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, academic writing may benefit from more precise language. Consider alternatives that specify the nature of the opposition, such as "contradicting the hypothesis" or "deviating from the norm", depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone is described as "running in the opposite direction" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "running in the opposite direction" signifies actively rejecting or avoiding something, such as a popular opinion, a trend, or a course of action. It suggests a deliberate choice to move away from what others are embracing.