What Does โRun down sthโ Mean?
โRun down sthโ is a phrasal verb that means to criticize something or to reduce something gradually until it stops working or loses power. It can also mean to physically hit something or someone by running into them.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โRun down sthโ is common in English and has several meanings depending on the context. It can mean criticizing or speaking negatively about something, reducing power or energy, or even physically hitting something. Understanding the different uses of โRun down sthโ meaning helps learners use it correctly in conversation and writing. This guide explains its meanings, grammar structure, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Run down something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To criticize, reduce power, or hit something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โRun down sthโ is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires an object.
Separable or inseparable? It is usually separable, so you can say:
- Run down the battery
- Run the battery down
Both forms are correct and commonly used.
How to Use Run down sth?
You can use โrun down sthโ when you want to describe:
- Criticizing or speaking negatively about something.
- Reducing energy, power, or resources gradually.
- Physically hitting or knocking something or someone down.
Choose the meaning based on the context to avoid confusion.
Examples
Here are natural sentences using โrun down sth in a sentenceโ:
- She always runs down the new policies at work.
- The phone battery ran down after hours of use.
- The car ran down the cyclist in the busy street.
- Donโt run down your health by working too much.
- He ran the old computer down until it stopped working.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the meaning or structure of โrun down sthโ. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: He ran down about the project.
Correct: He ran down the project. - Incorrect: The battery run down.
Correct: The battery ran down.
Remember to use the object directly after โrun downโ or separate it correctly.
Differences / Synonyms
โRun down sthโ can be similar to other phrasal verbs but with subtle differences:
- Run through sth: To explain or rehearse quickly, not to criticize or reduce.
- Break down sth: To stop working or to analyze something in detail.
- Put down sth: To criticize but usually more gently or to write something down.
Use โrun downโ when you want to express strong criticism or gradual reduction.
Common Collocations
โRun downโ is often used with specific objects. Here are common collocations:
- Run down battery: To use energy until it is gone.
- Run down reputation: To criticize someoneโs character.
- Run down building: A neglected or damaged building.
- Run down health: To become weak or tired.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run down sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โrun down sthโ:
Anna: I heard you ran down the new managerโs ideas in the meeting.
Ben: Yes, I think some of the proposals wonโt work.
Anna: Just be careful not to run down the whole project.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with โrun downโ in the correct form:
- The phoneโs battery finally ______ after five hours.
- She tends to ______ her coworkers unfairly.
- Donโt ______ your health by skipping sleep.
- The car accidentally ______ the mailbox.
FAQ
- What does โrun down sthโ mean? It means to criticize, reduce power, or hit something.
- Is โrun down sthโ separable? Yes, the object can come before or after โrun downโ.
- Can โrun downโ be used without an object? Usually, it requires an object to complete the meaning.
- What is the difference between โrun downโ and โbreak downโ? โRun downโ often means criticize or reduce power, while โbreak downโ means stop working or analyze.
- Can โrun downโ be used for people? Yes, it can mean criticizing someone or becoming weak or tired.
