Can "run sb out" be used in passive voice?

Yes, but it is less common. For example, "He was run out of the town."

Is "run sb out" formal or informal?

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "run sb out" mean physically chasing someone?

Yes, it often implies forcing someone to leave physically or socially.

What is the difference between "run sb out" and "run out of"?

"Run sb out" means to force someone to leave, while "run out of" means to use all of something.

Can I say "run out somebody"?

It is grammatically possible but uncommon. "Run sb out" is preferred.

Run sb out Meaning & Examples | How to Use “Run sb out” Correctly

May 29, 2025

—

by

Michael Carter

in English Phrasal Verbs

What Does “Run sb out” Mean?

“Run sb out” means to force someone to leave a place or situation, often by making them feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “Run sb out” is commonly used when someone is made to leave or is chased away from somewhere. Understanding the Run sb out meaning helps learners express situations where a person is pushed out, either physically or socially. This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in business, social events, or sports. Knowing how to use “Run sb out” properly can improve your communication skills and make your English sound more natural.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: run somebody out
Type: transitive
Level: B2
Short meaning: make someone leave by force or pressure

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Run sb out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (sb) between “run” and “out” or after “out.”

run somebody out
run out somebody

However, the most natural and common structure is run sb out. It is always transitive, so it requires a direct object (somebody).

How to Use Run sb out?

Use “Run sb out” when you want to describe a situation where someone is forced to leave a place or group. This can happen through actions, words, or social pressure. It often carries a negative tone, implying that the person leaving is not welcome.

For example, a boss might run an employee out of the company by constantly criticizing them. Or neighbors might run someone out of the neighborhood by complaining about their behavior.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “Run sb out in a sentence”:

The noisy neighbors tried to run the new family out of the neighborhood.
The manager’s harsh words eventually ran him out of the office.
Local residents ran out the stranger who was causing trouble.
The team’s poor performance almost ran the coach out of the club.
They felt so unwelcome that they were practically run out of the meeting.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the word order or misuse the verb without a direct object. Here are some examples:

Incorrect: They run out from the house. (No direct object)
Correct: They ran him out of the house.
Incorrect: She was run out by the group. (Passive voice is possible but less common)
Correct: The group ran her out.

Differences / Synonyms

“Run sb out” is similar to “drive sb out” or “push sb out,” but there are differences:

Drive sb out: Often suggests stronger force or violence.
Push sb out: Can mean both physical and social exclusion, sometimes less forceful.
Run sb out: Implies forcing someone to leave, often with pressure or hostility.

Choose the phrase based on the level of force and context.

Common Collocations

Here are common words used with “run sb out”:

Run the enemy out – force opponents to leave
Run a tenant out – make a renter leave a property
Run a competitor out – force a rival out of business
Run a stranger out – chase away someone unknown

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of run sb out:

Real-life Dialogue

Listen to this conversation where “run sb out” is used naturally:

Anna: Did you hear about what happened at the meeting yesterday?

Ben: No, what?

Anna: They really ran John out because he kept disagreeing with everyone.

Ben: Wow, that sounds harsh.

Practice

Try this exercise to test your understanding of “Run sb out”:

Choose the correct sentence:

a) The neighbors ran the noisy dog out of the yard.
b) The neighbors ran out the noisy dog of the yard.
c) The neighbors ran out from the noisy dog.

Answer: a) The neighbors ran the noisy dog out of the yard.

FAQ

Q1: Can “run sb out” be used in passive voice?
A1: Yes, but it is less common. For example, “He was run out of the town.”
Q2: Is “run sb out” formal or informal?
A2: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Q3: Can “run sb out” mean physically chasing someone?
A3: Yes, it often implies forcing someone to leave physically or socially.
Q4: What is the difference between “run sb out” and “run out of”?
A4: “Run sb out” means to force someone to leave, while “run out of” means to use all of something.
Q5: Can I say “run out somebody”?
A5: It is grammatically possible but uncommon. “Run sb out” is preferred.