run along
MediumInformal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
To leave or go away, often used as a polite or dismissive instruction, especially to children.
To depart or move along; can imply a sense of dismissal or encouragement to continue with one's activities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a phrasal verb in imperative form. Often carries a patronising or condescending tone when directed at adults. The sense is of moving away from the speaker's location.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, especially as a set phrase to children. In American English, alternatives like 'run along now' or 'go play' might be more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can sound dismissive or belittling if used with adults. In British English, it retains a slightly old-fashioned, nursery-rhyme quality.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English, particularly in spoken, informal contexts involving children.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Imperative: Run along!With object (rare): Run the children along.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run along now”
- “Off you run along”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare and inappropriate; would be seen as unprofessional and dismissive.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal settings, especially with children or in light-hearted dismissal among friends.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Run along, children, the adults need to talk.
- I told him to run along and stop bothering me.
American English
- Run along now, kids, dinner's almost ready.
- She just smiled and told the salesman to run along.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Run along and play with your toys.
- Children, run along to the garden.
- You can run along now, we've finished our meeting.
- The teacher told the pupils to run along home.
- He gave a dismissive wave, indicating I should run along.
- Feeling patronised, she was told to 'run along' by her older colleague.
- The phrase 'run along' is often deployed to subtly underscore a power differential in conversational dynamics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a parent gently shooing children away to play, saying 'Run along' as they literally run along the path.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPARTURE IS MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH (The act of leaving is conceptualised as moving along a trajectory away from the speaker).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'бежать вдоль'. The phrase is idiomatic and means 'уходи(те)', 'иди(те)' often with a patronising tone.
- Do not confuse with the literal meaning of 'run' + 'along' (as in running alongside something).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it with superiors or strangers, as it is condescending.
- Confusing it with 'run around' (to be busy with many things).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'run along' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, especially when used with adults. It often sounds patronising or dismissive, implying the person is a child or a nuisance. With children, it is usually gentle.
Very rarely. Its primary use is as an imperative instruction (Run along!). You might find it in reported speech ('He told me to run along'), but it is not used in standard declarative sentences like 'I run along'.
'Run along' is softer and more often used with children, suggesting they go and do something else. 'Go away' is more direct and can be stronger and ruder. 'Run along' also has a more old-fashioned, British flavour.
Yes, but it's separate. Literally, it can mean to run while following the length of something (e.g., 'The dog ran along the fence'). The idiomatic, dismissive meaning is a fixed phrasal verb.