running text
C1/C2Technical/Formal (esp. publishing, design, linguistics); can be used in academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The main body of continuous written prose in a document, as opposed to headings, captions, footnotes, etc.
Continuous, unbroken text; text that flows in a narrative or expository sequence without interruption by other elements like figures or headings. In publishing/typography, the primary block of text on a page.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound noun ('running' + 'text') functioning as a fixed collocation. The word 'running' here means 'continuous' or 'flowing', not the activity. It is a countable/uncountable noun phrase (e.g., 'the running text', 'blocks of running text').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK publishing/design jargon, but used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term. Implies a focus on layout, readability, or textual analysis.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech. Higher frequency in professional/academic contexts related to publishing, typography, document design, and corpus linguistics.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + running text + [prepositional phrase]running text + [verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None (it is a technical term, not an idiom).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in document formatting guidelines or branding/style guides.
Academic
Common in linguistics (discourse analysis, corpus studies) and publishing studies. e.g., 'The footnote references are linked to citations in the running text.'
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core usage. Ubiquitous in typography, book design, and web design. e.g., 'Set the running text in 11pt Garamond.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A for this noun phrase.
American English
- N/A for this noun phrase.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for this noun phrase. Can be used attributively: 'running-text analysis'.
American English
- N/A for this noun phrase. Can be used attributively: 'running-text formatting'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The picture has a caption below the running text.
- For your essay, please use a clear font for the running text.
- The designer increased the line spacing in the running text to improve readability.
- In corpus linguistics, annotations are often kept separate from the running text to facilitate analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of text that is 'running' like a river – continuous and unbroken from start to finish, unlike the 'islands' of headings or images that interrupt its flow.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A FLUID (running, flowing, continuous, body).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводится как "бегущий текст" (animated text).
- Не является глагольной формой (не "текст, который бежит").
- Ближайший эквивалент: "основной текст", "сплошной текст".
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to animated text (marquee) on a website.
- Confusing it with the present participle of the verb 'run'.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'text' or 'the main part' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'running text' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Running' here means 'continuous' or 'uninterrupted'. It refers to the main body of static text on a page or screen.
It is a standard, common term within specific fields like publishing, typography, and linguistics, but it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Yes, in contexts comparing different blocks of text. e.g., 'Compare the running texts of the two documents.' However, it's often treated as an uncountable mass noun.
Elements like headings, titles, captions, footnotes, sidebars, and pull-quotes are all considered separate from the running text.