run

The word "run" can describe the quick movement gained from one’s legs, but you can use "run" for other reasons:

To run somewhere might mean that the trip is short and quick.

• I need to run to the store to get some bread.
• Run over to the post office and drop off these letters.
• John is going to run over to St. Paul this afternoon to get some parts for his car.

The word "run" can be a verb for the flow of water:

• Run some water over this lettuce and then drain it.
• The water is running in the sink.
• The toilet is still running. (It’s not flushing properly!)

The word "run" is also found in many idioms:

• Patricia is feeling kind of rundown today. (She’s tried.)
• That house is really rundown. (in bad condition)

As a noun, a "run" can be many different things:

• Hillary Clinton might make a run for the presidency of the United States.
• Valerie has a run in her stockings. (a run = a defect or a tear in leg coverings for women)
• Phil scored a run. (a run = a point in baseball made by crossing home plate.)
• I’m going to go for a run. (go for a run = run for exercise)
• The challenger gave the champ a run for his money. (This is an expression: A run for one’s money = strong competition.)

He scored a run.

Learn more about the use of "run" as a verb by clicking here.

Here’s a video for the word "run."

Click here to find more words to study.

This page was first published on December 6, 2011 and amended on December 18, 20014.