What Does “Run off with sth” Mean?
“Run off with sth” means to take something quickly and secretly, often without permission. It can also mean to escape with something valuable.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “run off with sth” is commonly used in English to describe situations when someone takes something and leaves suddenly. This might involve stealing or leaving with an object, money, or even a person. Understanding the “run off with sth meaning” will help you recognize it in conversations and writing. It’s useful in everyday English, especially when talking about theft, surprise departures, or informal situations where someone leaves quickly with something.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run off with sth (run off with something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to take something secretly and quickly, often stealing it
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run off with sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) between “run off” and “with” or after the whole phrase.
- run off with something
- run something off with
However, it is most common and natural to say: run off with something.
How to Use Run off with sth?
Use “run off with sth” when you want to describe someone taking an item or money quickly, often secretly or without permission. It’s informal and often used in spoken English. You can use it with different objects, like money, a bag, or even a person in some contexts.
Examples
Imagine someone steals your wallet and disappears. You can say: “Someone ran off with my wallet.”
- He ran off with the money before anyone noticed.
- She ran off with his phone during the party.
- The thief ran off with the stolen goods.
- They ran off with the prize after the competition.
- Run off with sth in a sentence: The dog ran off with my sandwich.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse “run off with sth” with other phrasal verbs or use it incorrectly in sentences.
- Incorrect: He run off with my wallet.
- Correct: He ran off with my wallet.
- Incorrect: She ran off my phone with.
- Correct: She ran off with my phone.
Remember to use the past tense “ran” for past events and keep the object after “with.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Run off with sth” is similar to “take off with sth” or “make off with sth.” All mean leaving quickly with something, usually secretly.
- Run off with sth: emphasizes leaving quickly and secretly.
- Take off with sth: slightly more neutral, but still means leaving fast with something.
- Make off with sth: usually means escaping after stealing.
The main difference is in tone and formality; “run off with sth” is more informal.
Common Collocations
You often hear “run off with” followed by these common objects:
- Money – stolen cash or funds
- Bag – personal belongings or handbag
- Prize – an award or trophy
- Phone – mobile device
- Documents – important papers
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run off with sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a short conversation using “run off with sth”:
Anna: Did you see who took my wallet?
Ben: No, but I think someone ran off with it during the party.
Anna: That’s terrible! I hope I get it back.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “run off with sth”:
- She __________ (run) off with my keys yesterday.
- The thief __________ off with the jewelry last night.
- They __________ off with the prize before the ceremony ended.
FAQ
- What does “run off with sth” mean?
It means to take something quickly and secretly, often stealing it.
- Is “run off with sth” formal?
No, it is informal and mostly used in spoken English.
- Can “run off with” be used with people?
Sometimes, to mean leaving secretly with someone, but it’s less common.
- What is the past tense of “run off with”?
The past tense is “ran off with.”
- Can I separate “run off with” and the object?
It’s possible but uncommon. Usually, the object follows “with.”
