that runs

USAGE SUMMARY

"that runs" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as a relative clause to provide more information about a noun or pronoun in the sentence. Example: The river, that runs through the city, is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's MacBook Air that runs Windows.

The New York Times - Tech

Or a function that runs backwards?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

dyn_all.com Command procedure that runs the program.

Yale University

That runs through the whole system.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, says the organization that runs it.

The Washington Post

Two options are available one that runs on electrons and one that runs on protons.

The Economist

The team that runs best wins?

The New York Times - Sports

pacman.py The main file that runs Pacman games.

University of California, Berkeley

She shows us a subway ad that runs in Philadelphia.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She doesn't know the computer language that runs the machines.

The New York Times

"This is an operation that runs on proximity to people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, use "that runs" to clearly identify the operating environment of a program or hardware.

Common error

Avoid using "that runs" when the antecedent is plural. For example, use "the systems that run" instead of "the systems "that runs"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that runs" serves as a restrictive relative clause consisting of the relative pronoun "that" and the third-person singular verb "runs". According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to specify or identify a particular noun by describing its function, movement, or location. In many Ludwig examples, it acts as the bridge between a machine and its operating software.

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "that runs" is a robust and indispensable relative clause in the English language. Ludwig AI shows that it is used with high frequency to describe everything from physical paths and liquid movement to software execution and abstract thematic consistency. Whether you are writing a technical manual for a program "that runs" on a server or a poetic description of a river "that runs" through a valley, this phrase provides a clear and grammatically sound way to link a subject to its action. Its widespread use across prestigious outlets like The New York Times and MIT highlights its reliability as a standard linguistic tool for both descriptive and functional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which operates

Uses a more formal verb often applied to machinery or organizations.

that functions

Focuses on the operational capability of the subject.

running

A present participle form that can often replace the relative clause for conciseness.

which goes

Commonly used for physical routes like roads or rivers.

that executes

Specific to computing and software contexts.

which flows

Specifically for liquids or abstract concepts like time and ideas.

that powers

Emphasizes the underlying source of energy or logic.

extending through

Better suited for physical or thematic continuity.

that manages

Focuses on the administrative or controlling aspect of the subject.

which stretches

Focuses on the physical distance or span of the subject.

FAQs

How to use "that runs" in a sentence?

You can use it to define a noun, such as "the software "that runs" the engine" or "the path "that runs" through the woods".

What can I say instead of "that runs"?

Depending on the context, you can use "which operates", "that functions", or simply "running".

Which is correct, "that runs" or "which runs"?

Both are often correct, but "that runs" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning, while "which runs" is often used for non-essential info.

Is "that runs" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, it is a neutral and standard phrase frequently found in "academic writing" and professional journalism.