running english
A1Neutral to formal (depending on context)
Definition
Meaning
the action or activity of moving one's legs and feet quickly so that both feet leave the ground during each stride.
The activity of managing or operating something continuously (e.g., a business), the process of something being in operation or flowing, or a continuous sequence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has a literal, physical sense (locomotion) and multiple figurative senses (management, operation, sequence). The present participle form also functions as an adjective and gerund.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived words (e.g., 'jogging/running tracks' vs. 'jogging/running tracks'). Slight preference in collocation frequency (e.g., 'running for office' more common in US).
Connotations
Similar connotations of speed, continuity, and management in both dialects.
Frequency
Very high and comparable frequency in both dialects for all core meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJECT] be running [COMPLEMENT] (The tap is running.)[SUBJECT] keep [OBJECT] running (He keeps the business running.)go running (for exercise)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “up and running”
- “in the running/out of the running”
- “hit the ground running”
- “running on empty”
- “make a running jump”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to ongoing operational costs, management, and the state of a functional business ('running costs', 'keep the company running').
Academic
Used in statistical contexts ('running average'), computer science ('a running program'), and literature ('a running theme').
Everyday
Primarily the physical activity ('go for a run/running'), basic household functions ('running water'), and time management ('running late').
Technical
In engineering/mechanics: the operation of machinery. In computing: the execution of a process. In sports science: the biomechanics of the activity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is running for the train.
- He has been running the family shop for years.
- The engine is running beautifully.
American English
- She's running for office this fall.
- He's been running the family store for years.
- The faucet has been running all night.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; typically in compounds like 'running late') The meeting started late, with the chair running behind.
American English
- (Rare as a pure adverb) He came running up the path, shouting the news.
adjective
British English
- We finally have running water in the cottage.
- He told a running joke throughout the lecture.
- Please note the running total at the bottom.
American English
- The apartment has hot and cold running water.
- It's a running gag in all his movies.
- Check the running score on the sidebar.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I go running in the park.
- The water is running.
- He is running fast.
- She started running her own business last year.
- The software is up and running now.
- We're running a little late for the film.
- The documentary featured a running commentary by the director.
- After years of running battles with the council, the project was approved.
- Maintaining a running total of expenses is crucial for the budget.
- The negotiations have been a running sore in diplomatic relations for a decade.
- Her novels are linked by a running motif of redemption through loss.
- The algorithm calculates a running average, adjusting for outliers in real time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a faucet with water RUNNING out. The 'ING' at the end sounds like the continuous 'ring' of a bell, reminding you it's an ongoing action.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/OPERATIONS ARE MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH (e.g., 'the project is running smoothly', 'we're running behind schedule'). LIFE IS A RACE (e.g., 'the rat race', 'running for office').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "бег" which is only the noun for the activity. 'Running' as a gerund/adjective is translated contextually (e.g., 'running water' = проточная вода).
- Avoid directly translating "I am running" as "Я бегущий" (adjective) when it is a continuous verb form "Я бегу".
- The business sense of 'running' often maps to "управление" or "ведение", not a direct physical metaphor.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I go to run every morning.' Correct: 'I go running every morning.'
- Incorrect: 'The machine is run.' (state) vs. 'The machine is running.' (action in progress).
- Confusing 'running' (activity) with 'a run' (instance/event of the activity).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'running costs' most closely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Run' is the base form (infinitive, present tense for 'I/you/we/they', or past participle). 'Running' is the present participle and gerund, used for continuous tenses and as a noun/adjective describing an ongoing action or state.
Yes, as a gerund (e.g., 'Running is good for you.') In this case, it functions as a noun naming the activity.
It is an idiom meaning that a system, machine, or business is operational and functioning correctly.
Yes, in a sports context. 'Jogging' is typically a slower, steady-paced form of running for exercise. 'Running' is the broader term and can include jogging, sprinting, and competitive racing.