What Does “Run sth by” Mean?
“Run sth by” means to tell someone your idea or plan to get their opinion or approval before making a decision.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “run sth by” is commonly used in everyday English to describe the act of sharing information or ideas with someone for feedback. Understanding the run sth by meaning helps learners communicate more naturally, especially in work or social situations. When you “run something by” someone, you are essentially asking them to review or consider what you want to say or do. This phrase is informal but widely accepted in both professional and casual contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run something by
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to tell someone an idea or plan to get their opinion
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run sth by” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (something) between “run” and “by” or after “by”.
- run something by someone
- run it by someone
- run something by someone
Examples:
- I want to run this idea by you.
- Can I run it by you first?
How to Use Run sth by?
You use “run sth by” when you want someone’s opinion or approval on an idea, plan, or suggestion. It is often used before making decisions, especially in work meetings, group projects, or even casual conversations.
Common contexts include:
- Asking a colleague to review your proposal
- Getting a friend’s opinion on a plan
- Checking details with a supervisor before finalizing a task
Examples
Here are some natural examples of run sth by in a sentence:
- Before we finalize the report, I want to run it by my manager.
- Can I run this idea by you to see what you think?
- She ran the new marketing plan by the team for feedback.
- Let me run this budget proposal by the finance department.
- He always runs his decisions by his mentor before taking action.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes, learners confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. Here are some common errors and corrections:
- Incorrect: I want to run by this idea with you.
- Correct: I want to run this idea by you.
- Incorrect: Can I run this by you the plan?
- Correct: Can I run the plan by you?
Remember, the object comes directly after “run,” and “by” precedes the person you ask.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Run something past someone: Very close in meaning; also means to get someone’s opinion.
- Check something with someone: More formal; focuses on verifying facts or approval.
- Talk something over: Discuss something in detail, usually with more back-and-forth.
“Run sth by” is more casual and often used for quick feedback, while “talk something over” implies a longer discussion.
Common Collocations
People often “run” these things “by” others:
- Idea: A suggestion or plan you want feedback on.
- Plan: A detailed proposal for action.
- Proposal: A formal suggestion.
- Report: A document or summary you want reviewed.
- Decision: A choice you want approval on.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run sth by:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a simple conversation using “run sth by”:
Anna: Hey, can I run an idea by you?
Mark: Sure, what is it?
Anna: I’m thinking about organizing a team lunch next week. What do you think?
Mark: Sounds great! Let me know if you need help planning it.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence with the correct phrase:
Before making a final decision, I want to ________ my plan ________ my boss.
- a) run / by
- b) run / past
- c) run / over
- d) run / through
Answer: a) run / by
FAQ
- Q: Can I use “run sth by” in formal writing?
A: It is more informal but acceptable in business emails and casual reports. - Q: Is “run sth by” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the object from the phrasal verb. - Q: What does “sth” mean?
A: “sth” is short for “something.” - Q: Can I say “run an idea past someone” instead?
A: Yes, it has a similar meaning. - Q: Is “run sth by” only for ideas?
A: No, you can run any plan, proposal, or decision by someone.
