running commentary
C1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A continuous, spoken description of an event as it happens, often by a broadcaster, but also by a spectator narrating their observations.
A series of continuous remarks, criticisms, or observations made by someone about what is happening or about a process they are witnessing. Can also refer to an internal, mental narration of one's own thoughts or actions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While originating in live sports broadcasting, the term is now used metaphorically in many contexts (e.g., work, relationships) to describe incessant, often critical, verbal feedback.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term is equally common and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it can have a neutral connotation (e.g., a sports announcer) or a negative one (e.g., an annoying companion who won't stop talking).
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to the prominence of football (soccer) and cricket commentary, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
provide a running commentary on [event]keep up a running commentarygive a running commentary of [process]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A running commentary (on something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously to describe a manager micro-managing a project with constant feedback.
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Can appear in media studies papers analyzing sports or news broadcasting.
Everyday
Very common. Used to describe someone talking constantly during a film, game, or event.
Technical
Specific to broadcasting and media production, referring to the live audio track describing an event.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He kept running a commentary on the football match, much to the annoyance of everyone else in the room.
- Can you stop running a commentary on my cooking, please?
American English
- She was running a sarcastic commentary on the presidential debate from her couch.
- My brain runs a constant negative commentary on everything I do.
adverb
British English
- He narrated the journey commentary-running, describing every village we passed.
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb)
American English
- She watched the game commentary-running, explaining each play to her friend.
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb)
adjective
British English
- His running commentary style was both informative and irritating.
- We tuned into the running commentary feed on the radio.
American English
- The running commentary track on the documentary was done by the director.
- I'm not looking for your running commentary opinion right now.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The man on the radio gave a running commentary of the football game.
- My little brother provided a funny running commentary on the cartoon.
- During the hike, my friend kept up a running commentary about the types of trees and birds we saw.
- It's hard to concentrate with your constant running commentary.
- The documentary featured a running commentary by the historian, placing the archival footage in context.
- He has this annoying habit of offering a running critique—a sort of negative running commentary—on everyone's decisions in meetings.
- Her internal running commentary of self-doubt was silenced only when she stepped onto the stage and began to perform.
- The barrister's quiet, running commentary on the witness's testimony, whispered to his junior, was a masterclass in real-time legal analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a marathon runner with a microphone, COMMENTING on everything they see while RUNNING. The commentary keeps RUNNING alongside the event.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVENTS ARE NARRATIVES (the event unfolds like a story being told in real-time).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate word-for-word as 'бегущий комментарий'. The correct equivalent is 'прямой репортаж', 'непрерывный комментарий', or, colloquially, 'трансляция в прямом эфире'. For the metaphorical sense, use 'постоянные комментарии', 'непрерывное комментирование'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'running comment' (incorrect - must be 'commentary').
- Confusing it with 'commentary track' on a DVD, which is recorded, not live.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'running commentary' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the term originates from professional broadcasting, it is now commonly used for anyone speaking continuously about an event they are witnessing, often in an informal or annoying way.
Typically, no. The term strongly implies a spoken, real-time narration. A written analysis or summary of an event after it happens would not be called a running commentary.
'Commentary' is broader and can be pre-recorded, reflective, or analytical. 'Running commentary' specifically emphasises the continuous, live, real-time nature of the narration as the event unfolds.
It is context-dependent. In sports or news, it's neutral/positive (a skilled profession). In social situations (e.g., someone commenting on your every move), it is almost always negative and implies intrusiveness or annoyance.