What Does “Run sb on sth” Mean?
“Run sb on sth” means to explain or tell someone about a particular subject or information in detail.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Run sb on sth” is commonly used in English to describe the act of giving someone detailed information or instructions about something. It often happens when you want to update someone or explain a process clearly. Understanding the “Run sb on sth meaning” helps learners communicate more naturally, especially in professional or casual conversations. This phrase is useful when you want to ensure someone understands a topic or plan fully.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Run somebody on something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To explain or inform someone about something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run sb on sth” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (sb) between “run” and “on,” but the phrase “on sth” must stay together.
- Correct: Run someone on something
- Incorrect: Run on something someone
Pattern: run + somebody + on + something
How to Use Run sb on sth?
You use “run sb on sth” when you want to give a detailed explanation or update. It is often used in workplaces, meetings, or casual conversations when one person needs to brief another.
Examples of contexts include explaining a project, updating someone on plans, or teaching a process.
Examples
Imagine you just finished a meeting and want to update your colleague. You might say:
- “Let me run you on the latest project updates.”
- “I’ll run you on the new schedule before the meeting.”
- “Can you run me on what happened at the conference?”
- “She ran me on the details of the contract.”
- “Before you start, I’ll run you on the safety procedures.”
These examples show how “Run sb on sth in a sentence” helps clarify communication.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or use “run on” incorrectly. Here are some common errors:
- Incorrect: Run on the instructions me.
- Correct: Run me on the instructions.
- Incorrect: Run the details on him.
- Correct: Run him on the details.
Remember to place the person (sb) immediately after “run” and keep “on sth” together.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “fill sb in on sth” and “brief sb on sth.” While all mean to inform, there are subtle differences:
- Run sb on sth: Usually implies a detailed explanation or update.
- Fill sb in on sth: Often means giving missing information or a quick update.
- Brief sb on sth: More formal, often used in professional settings for a summary.
Choose “run sb on sth” when you want to emphasize thoroughness.
Common Collocations
We often use “run sb on” with these objects to specify the topic:
- the details – specific information about something
- the plan – a strategy or schedule
- the project – work or tasks to be done
- the procedure – step-by-step instructions
- the updates – new or recent information
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run sb on sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation between two colleagues:
Anna: Can you run me on the client’s feedback from yesterday?
Ben: Sure! They liked our design but want more color options.
Anna: Thanks! Could you also run me on the timeline changes?
Ben: Of course, I’ll send you the updated schedule right after.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrasal verb:
“Before the presentation, please _______ me _______ the latest sales figures.”
- a) run / on
- b) run on / me
- c) run me / on
- d) run / me on
Correct answer: d) run / me on
FAQ
- What does “run sb on sth” mean? It means to explain or update someone about a topic in detail.
- Is “run sb on sth” formal or informal? It is mostly informal but can be used in professional contexts.
- Can I say “run on sb sth”? No, the correct order is “run sb on sth.”
- What are synonyms for “run sb on sth”? Fill sb in on sth, brief sb on sth.
- Is “run sb on sth” separable? Yes, the object (sb) can be placed between “run” and “on.”
