"When chasing dreams, sometimes you must run with the wind of opportunity and adapt to the unexpected turns of life."

📖 Definition

To 'run with' means to embrace an idea or opportunity and proceed enthusiastically, often suggesting a willingness to explore possibilities or adapt.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'run with' means to embrace an idea or opportunity and proceed enthusiastically, often suggesting a willingness to explore possibilities or adapt.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb cannot be split with its object.
Register
Informal
Commonly used in casual conversation.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple run with She runs with every chance she gets.
Past Simple ran with They ran with the idea and succeeded.
Present Continuous running with He is running with a new project plan.
Present Perfect have run with We have run with similar strategies before.

💡 When to Use

Embracing new opportunities
Use when someone is taking advantage of new situations with enthusiasm, often exploring innovative paths.
Example: "She decided to run with the marketing idea."
Accepting challenges
Describes when someone accepts challenges and adapts readily to changes or obstacles.
Example: "They will run with the new project despite its difficulty."
Developing ideas
Use when someone is taking initial concepts and developing them further into a full-fledged plan or action.
Example: "He is running with the startup plan impressively well."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Overseparation
❌ Wrong: She ran the idea with.
✅ Correct: She ran with the idea.
💡 Tip: Keep the phrasal verb intact; no separation.
Incorrect object
❌ Wrong: He runs with quickly.
✅ Correct: He runs with enthusiasm.
💡 Tip: Always use directly related objects.
Subject-verb agreement
❌ Wrong: They runs with the notion.
✅ Correct: They run with the notion.
💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement in tense.
Practice

RUN WITH - 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

  • 1
    Listen to example

    The team decided to run with the initial concept and soon had a viable product.

    The World In Your Pocket
  • 2
    Listen to example

    Sarah ran with the opportunity to study abroad, opening new doors for her career.

    The World In Your Pocket
  • 3
    Listen to example

    When given the choice, he always runs with his instincts, trusting his well-honed intuition.

    The World In Your Pocket

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

go with embrace

Antonyms

reject

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"They decided to ___ the new business model and see where it leads."

walk with
run with
drop with
run about

Frequently Asked Questions about Run With

What is the origin of run with?

+
The phrase 'run with' likely evolved from the literal act of running while carrying something, metaphorically transitioning to embrace opportunities or ideas with eagerness.

Can run with be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Mostly informal, 'run with' is often used in casual conversation to express embracing ideas enthusiastically, though it can occasionally appear in semi-formal contexts.

What is the difference between run with and embrace?

+
'Run with' suggests an active pursuit or development of an idea, while 'embrace' means accepting or supporting it, without necessarily acting on it immediately.
Browse All The World In Your Pocket Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication 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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