we would run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we would run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a hypothetical situation or a conditional action that may occur in the future or in a different context. Example: "If we had more time, we would run the marathon together next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would run.

The New York Times - Arts

No, he would wave it, and we would run around.

The New York Times - Magazine

When there was fighting we would run to the bunker.

The Guardian

Who could imagine that we would run our own store?

The New York Times

"Before we had Moviolas for editing, we would run the pieces of film through our fingers.

Columbia University

A few times we would run into his best friend, Paul, whom we liked a lot.

The New York Times

Each week we would run through profiling, role playing, reflection and feedback exercises.

The Economist

We would run the risk of getting shot by our own guys in the confusion.

The New York Times

But, equally, a great deal of thought is going into how we would run things.

The Guardian

So we would run a 10.5k loop out, then back – and then do it again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We would run for four hours and just talk," Mrs. Ayers said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we would run" to describe hypothetical situations or recurring actions in the past. For example, "If it rained, we would run inside."

Common error

Avoid using "we would run" to describe current or future actions when a simple present or future tense is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "We would run now", say "We will run now" or "We are running now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would run" functions as a conditional verb phrase, typically indicating a hypothetical action or a recurring action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in describing scenarios that depend on certain conditions or past routines, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we would run" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves primarily to describe hypothetical situations, past habits, or conditional actions. While versatile, it's important to use it correctly, avoiding confusion with present or future tenses. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications. By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'd run

Short form of "we would run", maintaining the same conditional meaning but in contracted form.

we used to run

Focuses on past habits, replacing the conditional "would" with "used to".

we might run

Expresses possibility or uncertainty about running, rather than a conditional or habitual action.

we could run

Indicates ability or permission to run, instead of a conditional action.

we were going to run

Implies an intention or plan to run that may or may not have been fulfilled.

we were running

Describes an action in progress in the past, differing from the conditional nature of "would run".

we intended to run

Similar to "were going to run" but emphasizes the intention.

we planned to run

Highlights the planning aspect of running, shifting the focus.

we should run

Suggests obligation or advice, differing from the conditional or habitual meaning.

we had to run

Emphasizes necessity or obligation to run, moving away from the hypothetical.

FAQs

How can I use "we would run" in a sentence?

"We would run" can be used to describe a past habit, a hypothetical situation, or a conditional action. For example, "When we were kids, we would run through the fields" or "If we had more time, we would run a marathon together".

What's a more formal alternative to "we would run"?

While "we would run" is suitable for most contexts, a more formal alternative might depend on the specific meaning. If describing a past habit, "we used to run" could work. For hypothetical situations, rephrasing the sentence to use a subjunctive mood might increase formality.

Is it correct to say "we will run" instead of "we would run"?

It depends on the context. "We will run" expresses a future intention or a promise, while "we would run" expresses a hypothetical action or a past habit. For example, "We will run tomorrow" versus "If the weather were better, we would run today".

What's the difference between "we would run" and "we might run"?

"We would run" suggests a conditional or habitual action, while "we might run" suggests a possibility. "We would run if it weren't raining" implies a condition, whereas "We might run later" suggests uncertainty. You can use alternatives like "we could run" depending on the context.