was running things from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was running things from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is in charge or managing operations from a specific location or context. Example: "He was running things from the headquarters while the team was out in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If he is running things from behind the scenes, it's because the new government has not asserted itself," the ambassador said.

The New York Times

Over its 20-year run a smooth and very grown-up production routine has been established by core staff who've been running things from the beginning.

The Guardian - Music

The opposition, and the street-protest movement that demanded his resignation over allegations of corruption and abuse of power, would not be at all happy to see him return, even if he were running things from behind the scenes rather than reassuming the prime minister's job.

The Economist

For a firm with only 451 employees at its headquarters at Solms, near Frankfurt, another 477 in Portugal, and 190 elsewhere, that was unsettling.Now Mr Kaufmann is running things, with help from an unusual but telling source.

The Economist

"God is running things".

The Guardian

"Any year you bring a coach in, it takes a year for them to hit their stride, but I thought Kelly and her staff did a tremendous job of turning things around". It seemed Korras' days on the field were done with her new-found talent running things from the dugout until she returned to South Africa to accompany her sister Amber Korras, who was trying out for the junior national team.

Los Angeles Times

"I was running into things," he said.

The New York Times

His idyll is short-lived, however, when it becomes plain that all the things Randolph was running away from still linger within his reupholstered Hudsonian form; indeed, they are his essence – he is in flight from himself.

The Guardian - Film

The important thing is that I was running away from people again".

The New York Times - Sports

"This thing was running on empty".

The New Yorker

The single biggest thing came from when I was running the brew pub.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was running things from", ensure that the context clearly indicates the location or position from which the management or direction is taking place. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid pairing "was running things from" with excessively vague terms. Specify what 'things' are being managed and the specific location. For example, instead of "He was running things from somewhere", use "He was running the project from the headquarters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was running things from" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of managing or directing activities from a specific location. Ludwig AI examples show it describes someone's role in overseeing operations, often implying control or influence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was running things from" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies managing or directing activities from a specific location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the locus of control or responsibility. While relatively uncommon, it appears predominantly in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, clarity regarding both the 'things' being managed and the location is crucial. More formal alternatives like "was managing operations from" may be preferable in certain professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was managing operations from

Focuses on the act of managing rather than generally "running" things.

was overseeing activities from

Emphasizes the supervisory aspect of the role.

was in charge of operations at

Highlights the responsibility and authority.

was directing affairs from

Implies a more formal and strategic approach to managing.

was controlling the situation from

Suggests a level of influence and command over events.

was coordinating efforts from

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of management.

was administering tasks from

Emphasizes the organizational and logistical aspect.

was orchestrating events from

Implies skillful and artful management.

was at the helm of affairs

Suggests a leadership role in guiding the organization.

was pulling the strings from

Suggests influence or control, often in a less direct or overt way.

FAQs

What does "was running things from" mean?

It means someone was managing or directing operations or activities from a particular place or position. It implies control and oversight over a set of responsibilities.

How can I rephrase "was running things from"?

You can use alternatives like "was managing operations from", "was overseeing activities from", or "was in charge of operations at" depending on the specific context.

Is "was running things from" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional settings.

What's the difference between "was running things from" and "was helping with things"?

"Was running things from" implies a leadership or management role, suggesting the person was in control. "Was helping with things" indicates assistance or support without necessarily being in charge.