that ran well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that ran well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something, such as a machine or a process, that functioned effectively or efficiently. Example: "The old car was surprisingly reliable; it was a model that ran well even after many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"The horses that ran well in the Derby usually run well here.

The New York Times - Sports

But he, too, had to cut: he had made a movie that ran well over two hours, and was contractually obligated to bring it in at ninety minutes.

The New Yorker

During a Christmas party last year that ran well into the next morning, Mr. Cengiz insisted that everyone sign the walls of Studio A-1 before leaving.

The New York Times - Arts

WASHINGTON — After a marathon session that ran well past midnight, the Senate Finance Committee on Friday passed a major milestone in its work on legislation to remake the health care system and provide coverage to millions of the uninsured.

The New York Times

Near the beginning of a set that ran well over four hours, he unleashed subwoofers that could simulate full-body massages for the whole club, then used them sparingly as wee-hours stimuli.

The New York Times - Arts

Eight months in the making, at a then-staggering cost of $110,000, his film was a vast spectacle that ran well over three hours, employed the services of "18,000 people and 3,000 horses" (at least according to a hyperbolic preview in The New York Times), and was built on an intricate interplay of huge historical panoramas and intimate dramatic scenes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And the faculty members who move are subject to a widening set of loyalties that run well beyond the institution.

The New York Times

Latecomers — accustomed to shows that run well past midnight — continued to stream in a half-hour into Beirut's performance, hoping to have missed only the opening act.

The New Yorker

I can never handle it all by myself without asking somebody for help, who actually has internet and a desktop that runs well and a printer.

The Guardian - Money

Because the workings of a carburetor are greatly affected by weather conditions and cornering forces, a carbureted engine that runs well at the team's home base will not necessarily shine on the track.

The New York Times

Did this mean they opposed the building of a permanent barrier between Israelis and Palestinians, much of it on land that runs well inside the West Bank, alienating Palestinians from lands that fell under Israeli occupation in 1967?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "that ran well" to emphasize its smooth and efficient execution, particularly when highlighting its performance against expectations or other benchmarks.

Common error

Avoid using "that ran well" to describe abstract concepts or inanimate objects that cannot 'run' in a literal sense. Opt for more suitable verbs like 'functioned', 'operated', or 'progressed' to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that ran well" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about its operational effectiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, this highlights the successful execution of a process or the efficient performance of a system.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that ran well" serves as a relative clause to describe the effective operation of a system, process, or event. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical correctness and frequency across reputable sources make it a reliable choice for expressing successful execution or performance. While versatile, it's essential to ensure its usage aligns with the context and subject matter, particularly in formal settings where more nuanced alternatives might be preferable. Its prevalence in news and media contexts reflects its broad applicability in conveying operational success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that functioned effectively

Replaces 'ran' with 'functioned', emphasizing the process of working effectively.

that operated efficiently

Focuses on efficient operation rather than just running smoothly.

that performed admirably

Highlights the admirable performance of something.

that executed flawlessly

Emphasizes perfect execution without issues.

that worked successfully

Focuses on achieving a successful outcome through its operation.

that progressed smoothly

Implies a smooth and uninterrupted progression or development.

that proceeded without problems

Highlights the absence of issues during the process.

that unfolded seamlessly

Suggests a natural and effortless progression.

that transpired favorably

Focuses on the favorable outcome of events.

that turned out successfully

Emphasizes the successful result of a process or event.

FAQs

How can I use "that ran well" in a sentence?

You can use "that ran well" to describe systems, processes, or even events that operated effectively and efficiently. For instance, "The project was a success because we used a strategy "that ran well" from the start."

What are some alternatives to "that ran well"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that functioned effectively", "that operated efficiently", or "that performed admirably" which can be used depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "that ran well" in formal writing?

Yes, "that ran well" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, especially when describing how effectively a process or system was executed. However, consider using more sophisticated synonyms in highly formal contexts to add nuance.

What's the difference between "that ran well" and "that was well run"?

"That ran well" describes the effective operation or performance of something (the process itself), while "that was well run" implies that something was managed effectively (focusing on the management rather than the operation). The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process or its management.