RUN UP AGAINST

National Parks

📖 Definition

To encounter difficulties or opposition, often unexpectedly. It involves facing challenges, obstacles, or resistance that may impede progress or success.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To encounter difficulties or opposition, often unexpectedly. It involves facing challenges, obstacles, or resistance that may impede progress or success.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
This phrasal verb cannot be split; the verb and preposition must stay together.
Register
Neutral
This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts without alteration.
Transitive
Yes
The verb requires a direct object to specify what is being encountered.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple run up against They often run up against financial challenges.
Past Simple ran up against Last year, she ran up against many technical issues.
Present Continuous running up against He is constantly running up against difficult deadlines at work.
Present Perfect have run up against We have run up against bureaucratic obstacles many times.

💡 When to Use

Facing unexpected difficulties
Use this when encountering unforeseen problems that hinder progress, typically requiring resolution to move forward.
Example: "While preparing the event, we ran up against permit issues."
Experiencing opposition
Use this to describe encountering direct resistance from people or organizations, especially when they challenge your efforts.
Example: "The activists ran up against opposition from local authorities."
Meeting financial hurdles
This applies when facing fiscal constraints or financial challenges that complicate project or personal goals.
Example: "The startup ran up against funding shortages early on."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form
❌ Wrong: She run up against many issues last year.
✅ Correct: She ran up against many issues last year.
💡 Tip: Remember to use 'ran' for past tense.
Missing preposition
❌ Wrong: They often run against logistical issues.
✅ Correct: They often run up against logistical issues.
💡 Tip: Don't forget 'up' in the phrasal verb.
Wrong object placement
❌ Wrong: They run up issues against.
✅ Correct: They run up against issues.
💡 Tip: Keep 'up against' together before the object.
Practice

RUN UP AGAINST - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

encounter confront

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Despite their careful planning, they ___ considerable resistance."

take up against
run up against
move up against
flip up against

"When you run up against difficult challenges, you either discover your limits or find pathways you never thought possible (18 words)."

In Context

In the 1920s, an ambitious biologist named Rachel Carson ran up against numerous obstacles in her quest to become a prominent environmentalist. Born in a time when women in science faced substantial prejudice, Carson ran up against these biases early in her education. Despite the formidable societal pressures, she persisted and earned degrees in biology to pursue her passion for nature. Her critical moment came during the 1950s, as she worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Here, Carson ran up against mounting evidence about the destructive effects of pesticides on ecosystems, notably DDT. She decided to write about these concerns despite knowing she would run up against fierce opposition from chemical companies and industry lobbyists. With the publication of her groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, in 1962, Carson sparked a revolution in environmental awareness. The book ran up against criticism and denial from powerful chemical corporations, yet it also generated substantial public support that led to policy changes, including bans on harmful pesticides and the eventual establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Carson's resilience, in the face of opposition, altered the course of environmental legislation and raised worldwide awareness of ecological issues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Run Up Against

What is the origin of run up against?

+
This phrasal verb emerged in the 19th century, combining 'run,' meaning to encounter or face, with 'up against,' indicating barriers or opposition.

Can run up against be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'run up against' is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations, particularly when addressing encountered obstacles or challenges.

What is the difference between run up against and encounter?

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'Run up against' often implies facing unexpected obstacles, while 'encounter' is more general, simply meeting or facing something, often without resistance.

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remain inreport onrule outsee assell for
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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