running time

USAGE SUMMARY

"running time" is a valid phrase in written English.
This phrase usually refers to the amount of time it takes to complete an activity or process. For example, "the running time of the marathon is two hours and forty minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Running time: two hours.

The New York Times

Running time: 50 minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 2 hours.

The New York Times

Running time: 1 hour 30minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 64 minutes.

Cornell University

Running time: 90 minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 98 minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 82 minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 106 minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 84 minutes.

The New York Times

Running time: 119 minutes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the length of a movie or a play, use "running time" to clearly communicate its duration to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "running time" interchangeably with terms like "runtime environment" or "lead time". "Running time" specifically denotes the duration of an event or process, while others refer to different concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object to describe the duration of an event or process. Ludwig AI shows examples across diverse contexts, consistently indicating its use to specify length.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the duration of an event or process, particularly films and performances. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "duration" and "length" exist, "running time" is particularly apt for specifying the length of a show or film. It is important to differentiate it from similar terms like "runtime environment" to avoid confusion. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performance duration

More formal way to refer to the length of a performance.

screening time

Highlights the duration a film is shown.

air time

Specifically used for the duration of a broadcast.

duration

Focuses on the length of something, similar to running time but more general.

length

Emphasizes the extent of something from beginning to end, like running time but simpler.

execution time

Refers to the time taken to execute a process, often in computing.

playtime

Often used for games or activities, specifies the duration of such activities.

time on stage

Specifically refers to the amount of time an actor or performer is on stage.

elapsed time

The amount of time that passes during an activity, often used in scientific contexts.

time frame

Indicates a period during which events occur, similar to running time in defining boundaries.

FAQs

How is "running time" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "running time" is used to specify the duration of an event or process. For instance, "The movie's "running time" is 2 hours and 15 minutes" indicates how long the movie lasts.

What's another way to say "running time"?

Alternatives to "running time" include "duration", "length", or "performance duration", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "runtime" instead of "running time"?

While "runtime" can sometimes be used similarly, it often refers to the period a program is executing, especially in computing. "Running time" is generally preferred for films, plays, or events to clearly denote their duration.

What is the difference between "running time" and "air time"?

"Running time" generally refers to the total duration of any event or process. "Air time", on the other hand, is specifically used to describe the duration of a broadcast on television or radio.