runs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "runs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the action of moving quickly on foot or referring to the operation of a machine or program. Example: "The athlete runs every morning to maintain her fitness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the wunderkind, who runs the Donmar Warehouse theatre in London, was anything but blasé last night about the success of his dark satire on suburbia.

The Guardian - Film

Really a computer runs the ride and a member of staff just presses a button to release the cars from the station.

The Guardian

By worrying coincidence, the day that we've arrived in Grenada is officially the start of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

The Guardian - Travel

A November report by a British thinktank noted a rise in close military encounters between Russia and the west this year, including "violations of national airspace, emergency scrambles, narrowly avoided mid-air collisions, close encounters at sea, simulated attack runs and other dangerous actions happening on a regular basis over a very wide geographical area".

The Guardian

A friend of mine runs a website in Amsterdam, which is called, in Dutch, We Are Here to Stay.

The Guardian

You almost certainly have a Dupuytren's contracture, in which the tendon to the finger is caught up in the "sheath" - that is, the tunnel in which it runs from wrist to finger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It takes your source and a special.travis.yml build definition from your public repo, runs the build on a build engine, and reports the high level result.

The Guardian

Not every player can go out like Muttiah Muralitharan, taking his 800th wicket with his final ball in Test cricket, or Nasser Hussain, hitting the winning runs to go to a final century at Lord's.

The Guardian - Sport

The thing many of us love most about him is the silky, loping stride as he runs.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite being bowled out before lunch on the first morning, Warwickshire will fancy their chances of completing a remarkable turnaround, having moved to a position 278 runs ahead with three second-innings wickets intact.

The Guardian - Sport

Today Casa E offers a varied programme of video pieces, installation art and photography, and runs an annual prize to promote the work of emerging artists.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "runs" to describe a business, consider adding detail about its operation, such as "runs efficiently" or "runs profitably".

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "runs" when more precise verbs like "manages", "administers", or "operates" could provide clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "runs" is as a verb, typically in the third-person singular present tense. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing the operation of a business to the action of running physically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

17%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

7%

Opinion

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "runs" functions primarily as a verb, typically used in the third-person singular present tense. Its usage ranges from describing physical actions to the operation of systems or businesses. Ludwig highlights the phrase's presence across various contexts, including news, sports, and travel. While generally neutral, formality can be adjusted based on surrounding vocabulary. To enhance writing, consider precise alternatives like "operates" or "manages" in formal settings and avoid overuse. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, making it a versatile and reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operates

Focuses on the functioning or management aspect rather than the physical action.

functions

Emphasizes the working or performing aspect of something.

manages

Highlights the control and direction aspect of running something like a business or project.

flows

Implies a smooth and continuous movement or operation.

administers

Emphasizes the formal process of overseeing and executing tasks.

courses

Emphasizes a path or direction something takes.

conducts

Implies a planned and organized execution of an event or activity.

extends

Highlights the spatial or temporal reach of something.

executes

Highlights the carrying out of a plan or process, often in a detailed way.

competes

Highlights the act of taking part in a race or competition.

FAQs

How to use "runs" in a sentence?

You can use "runs" to describe the act of operating something, like "She "runs" a successful business", or the act of moving quickly, like "He "runs" every morning to stay fit".

What can I say instead of "runs"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "operates", "manages", or "administers".

Which is correct, "runs" or "run"?

"Runs" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "run", used when the subject is singular (e.g., "He "runs""). "Run" is used with plural subjects or with "I", "you", "we", and "they" (e.g., "I "run"", "They "run"").

What's the difference between "runs" and "is running"?

"Runs" is the simple present tense, indicating a regular or habitual action. "Is running" is the present continuous tense, indicating an action in progress at the moment of speaking or writing. For example, "He "runs" every day" vs. "He "is running" right now".