One of the great challenges in English is understanding words with multiple meanings. For example, the meaning of RUN is completely different in the following sentences:
● I love to go for a run in the mornings.
● I’m sorry – I have to run to a meeting. I’ll see you later!
● I’m going to run to the cafeteria downstairs – do you need anything?
● Oh no! I have a run in my stockings! This looks terrible!
● The house on the corner with the ivy running up the side is for sale.
● Did you hear that Joseph is going to run in the election?
To best understand the meaning of run, we have to understand the full context.
✅ Meanings of Run as a Verb
◕ Run: to move legs quickly, more rapidly than a walk
- I run every morning for exercise. It also helps to clear my mind and reduce stress!
◕ Run: to move or act quickly
- Run to the kitchen to get the stain cleaner! This red wine will stain the sofa if we don’t clean it immediately.
◕ Run: to make a quick trip, an informal and short visit
- You should run next door to wish Jon a happy birthday. They are leaving soon but I know he would really appreciate seeing you.
◕ Run: to be in or to campaign in an election
- I’m thinking about running for president of the association.
◕ Run: to flow as some liquid, to flow along or to empty liquid contents
- The Volga River is 2,290 miles long and runs into the Caspian Sea.
◕ Run: to creep, trail climb or grow as vines
- I’ve always loved homes with ivy running up the sides of the house.
✅ Meanings of Run as a Noun
◕ Run: the act, the length of time or the distance for running
- He just finished his 5-mile run.
◕ Run: the line or place where stitches in fabric come undone
- I just bought these stockings and they already have a run in them! I’m so frustrated.
