run to
B1-B2Neutral (slightly more common in spoken/informal contexts for the figurative 'turn to' sense)
Definition
Meaning
To move quickly towards a person, place, or thing; to reach or amount to a particular size, cost, or number.
To turn to someone for help, support, or comfort, often in a moment of need or crisis. To include a particular feature, often as a characteristic or capability.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a phrasal verb with two primary, distinct meanings. The first (physical movement) is literal and compositional. The second (amount/feature) is figurative and idiomatic. The 'turn for help' sense is also figurative and often implies dependency or emotional need.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'amount to' sense is equally common. The 'turn to for help/comfort' sense may be slightly more frequent in British English narratives.
Connotations
Neutral for the 'amount to' sense. The 'turn to' sense can imply vulnerability or deep trust.
Frequency
High frequency for the 'amount to' sense in both varieties. Moderate frequency for the 'turn to' sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + run to + [Noun Phrase (place/person)][Subject] + run to + [Noun Phrase (amount/number)][Subject] + run to + [Noun Phrase (person)] + for + [Noun (help/advice)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run to earth/ground (to find after searching)”
- “run to seed (to become dilapidated)”
- “run to type (to behave typically)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The initial investment is expected to run to several million."
Academic
"His collected works run to fifteen volumes."
Everyday
"Whenever she's upset, she runs to her best friend."
Technical
"The cabling for the system will run to approximately 500 metres."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The total damages could run to a six-figure sum.
- He's the sort who'd run to the teacher if he saw us.
American English
- The renovation is likely to run to over $50,000.
- She always runs to her dad when her car has a problem.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child ran to his mother.
- Can you run to the shop for some milk?
- The final bill ran to more than we expected.
- I ran to catch the bus.
- The biography runs to nearly a thousand pages.
- He's not one to run to the authorities with every little complaint.
- The estate's wine cellar runs to some 20,000 bottles.
- In times of political crisis, the media often runs to established commentators for analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bill that is so long it physically 'runs to' (reaches) the floor. Or a child who 'runs to' mum when scared.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY/EXTENT IS PHYSICAL MOVEMENT (The cost runs to £1000). EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IS A PHYSICAL REFUGE (She runs to him with her problems).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'бежать к' for the figurative senses. 'The book runs to 300 pages' is not about motion. 'Run to' for help is closer to 'обращаться к' than 'бежать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'run at' instead of 'run to' for a destination (He ran at the shop). Incorrect preposition with the amount sense (The bill ran for £200).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The manuscript runs to 450 folios', what does 'runs to' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot put the object between 'run' and 'to' (e.g., you cannot say 'run the bill to').
'Run to' suggests reaching a total (The costs run to £1000). 'Run into' suggests encountering, often with large, surprising, or problematic amounts (The costs run into thousands).
Yes, informally. 'The meeting ran to three hours' means it lasted or extended to three hours.
It is neutral but more common in spoken or narrative contexts. In very formal writing, 'resort to', 'appeal to', or 'turn to' might be preferred.