taking a run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of going for a run or jogging, often for exercise or leisure. Example: "Every morning, I enjoy taking a run in the park to start my day off right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Anyone fancy taking a run at it, then?

The Guardian - Sport

Several big box retailers are now taking a run at this market.

The New York Times

Jan Hlavac was whistled for a charge after taking a run at Kasparaitis.

The New York Times - Sports

Overall, Kotelko's high jump gives the impression of someone taking a run at a hotel-room bed.

The New York Times - Magazine

All of which is to say that I'm looking forward to taking a run at Franzen's new novel, "Purity".

The New Yorker

I shudder to think what News Ltd journalists would have made of Julia Gillard taking a run with her minders.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

So I wandered the mall, taking a running sign taxonomy.

The New Yorker

"(The shark) just launched himself up without taking a running start.

Huffington Post

Don't worry yet about taking a running jump.

WikiHow

Try taking a running slide on ice or polished floor.

WikiHow

I took a run.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking a run" to describe a casual or recreational running activity, often for exercise or enjoyment. For instance, "After work, I enjoy taking a run in the park to unwind."

Common error

Avoid using "taking a run" in highly formal or professional writing where more precise language might be preferred. Instead, consider using "exercising" or specifying the activity, such as "participating in a 5k race".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a run" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun in a sentence. It often describes an action that someone performs for exercise or leisure. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking a run" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of going for a run or jog. Ludwig confirms its suitability for written English. While it is generally considered neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in sports-related content. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "exercising" or specifying the type of running activity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability in various scenarios, making it a versatile phrase for describing physical activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going for a run

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express the same activity.

jogging

This alternative is a single-word synonym that describes the act of running at a steady, gentle pace.

going for a jog

This alternative is similar to "going for a run" but implies a less intense activity.

taking a jog

This alternative uses 'jog' as a noun, indicating a light run.

running

This alternative is a more general term for the activity, without specifying a particular instance.

exercising

This alternative broadens the activity to include various forms of physical activity, not just running.

going for exercise

This alternative expands the scope to any form of physical activity undertaken for health benefits.

working out

This alternative implies a more structured or intense physical activity session.

engaging in cardio

This alternative specifies the type of exercise focused on cardiovascular fitness.

participating in a race

This alternative suggests a competitive running event rather than a casual run.

FAQs

What does "taking a run" mean?

"Taking a run" refers to the act of going for a run or jog, usually for exercise or recreation. It implies a short to moderate distance and a relaxed pace.

What are some alternatives to "taking a run"?

You can use alternatives like "going for a run", "jogging", or "going for a jog" depending on the context and the intensity of the activity.

Is "taking a run" formal or informal?

"Taking a run" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise language such as "exercising", or "participating in physical activity".

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

Here's an example: "Every morning, I enjoy "taking a run" in the park to start my day off right." You can also say, "She is "taking a run" to clear her head after a long day".