took a run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of going for a run or jogging, typically for exercise or leisure. Example: "After a long day at work, I took a run to clear my mind and relieve stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I took a run.

The New Yorker

If something took a run at us, my horse would have given me more".

The New York Times - Sports

She said that when the other girls dropped to their knees to pray she took a run for it.

The New Yorker

Pascal Dupuis took a run at Del Zotto on an icing play and was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

ICE also took a run at the London market, ultimately losing to the Hong Kong Exchange's $2.1 billion bid.

The New York Times

Toronto's Darcy Tucker took a run at Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, only to be smothered by the Devils' John Madden.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It took a run-in with a Boston snowplow to finally destroy the 1963 Dart convertible belonging to Tom Magliozzi of the "Car Talk" show on National Public Radio.

The New York Times

(3-1 to Gladbach) Hamburg striker Paolo Guerrero was hit with an eight-game ban for a foul that could only be described as "insane" (Jürgen Klopp): the Peruvian took a run-up of 50m, then jumped feet first into the legs of Stuttgart keeper Sven Ulreich, who was innocently shepherding the ball out of play near the corner flag.

The Guardian - Sport

Right before he took a running jump into it.

The Guardian - Music

Marquez jumped from his bike, ran and took a running dive over the fencing into the arms of his ecstatic team.

BBC

Take a run of your own.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a run" to describe a deliberate act of running for exercise, leisure, or in pursuit of a goal. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "took a run" when describing accidental or involuntary running. Instead, opt for phrases like "started running" or "broke into a run".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a run" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of running, either for exercise or to attempt something. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from physical activity to pursuing opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a run" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the act of running or attempting something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in News & Media and Sports contexts indicates its versatility. While largely interchangeable with "went for a run", it can also convey a sense of purposeful action. When writing, consider the specific context to avoid misusing it for accidental running. Alternatives include "went for a jog" and "had a workout", but these may alter the shade of meaning. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "engaged in running".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went for a jog

Focuses more specifically on a slower-paced run.

tried a jog

Emphasizes the effort or attempt to jog.

went for a sprint

Emphasizes a short burst of high-speed running.

attempted a sprint

Highlights the effort to run quickly, possibly unsuccessfully.

had a dash

Suggests a quick, impulsive run.

made a dash

Like "had a dash", this suggests a brief, hurried run.

commenced a run

Presents a more formal way of saying "started running".

went for a canter

Refers specifically to a horse's gait, a relaxed, three-beat run.

undertook a race

Implies a more formal or competitive run.

embarked on a chase

Indicates a pursuit involving running.

FAQs

What does "took a run" mean?

The phrase "took a run" generally means to have gone for a run or jog, often for exercise or leisure. It can also imply making an attempt at something, such as "took a run at" a task or challenge.

What can I say instead of "took a run" when referring to exercise?

If you're referring to physical exercise, you could use alternatives like "went for a jog", "went for a run", or "had a workout".

Is it appropriate to use "took a run" in formal writing?

While "took a run" is grammatically correct, it leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "engaged in running" or "participated in a race" for a more professional tone.

How does "took a run" differ from "went for a run"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. However, "went for a run" is slightly more common and neutral, while "took a run" might imply a more deliberate or purposeful action. Both are suitable for general use.