What Does “Run sth in” Mean?
“Run sth in” means to use a new machine or vehicle gently for a period before using it fully. It can also mean to bring someone to the police station.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Run sth in” has two main meanings. First, it refers to the process of using a new engine or machine carefully for some time to make sure it works well. This is common with cars or equipment. Second, it is used when someone is taken to the police station for questioning or arrest. Understanding the “Run sth in” meaning helps you use it correctly in different situations. This guide explains both meanings, grammar, examples, and common mistakes to improve your English skills.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Run something in
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To use a machine gently before full use; to bring someone to the police
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run sth in” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object between “run” and “in” or after the entire phrasal verb.
Patterns:
- Run + something + in (e.g., run the engine in)
- Run in + something (e.g., run in the engine)
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle: run it in.
How to Use Run sth in?
Use “run sth in” when talking about carefully using new machines or vehicles to improve their performance. For example, when you buy a new car, you run the engine in by driving slowly for the first few hundred miles.
Use it also when describing bringing someone to the police station, often for questioning or arrest.
Examples
Here are some examples of “Run sth in” in sentences:
- We need to run the new car in before driving it fast.
- The mechanic said to run the engine in gently for 500 miles.
- The police ran him in after the incident last night.
- Make sure to run the machine in carefully to avoid damage.
- They ran the suspect in for questioning about the robbery.
Run sth in in a sentence helps you understand its use in real contexts.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the placement of the object. Here are some common mistakes:
- Incorrect: Run in the engine for 100 miles.
- Correct: Run the engine in for 100 miles.
- Incorrect: They ran in him to the police station.
- Correct: They ran him in to the police station.
Remember, with “run sth in,” the object usually comes between “run” and “in.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Run sth in” is similar to “break in” when talking about machines. However, “break in” is more informal and often used with shoes or animals.
When referring to police action, “run in” means to arrest or bring someone in, similar to “take in” or “arrest.”
Common Collocations
Here are common objects used with “run sth in”:
- Engine: To use a new engine carefully.
- Car: To drive a new car slowly at first.
- Machine: To test a new machine gently.
- Suspect: To bring someone to the police.
- Person: To take someone into custody.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run sth in:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a short conversation using “run sth in”:
Tom: I just bought a new motorbike.
Anna: Great! Remember to run it in slowly for the first few hundred miles.
Tom: Yes, I don’t want to damage the engine.
Anna: Also, the police ran in the suspect yesterday.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) You should run in the new engine carefully.
- B) You should run the new engine in carefully.
- C) You should run the new engine on carefully.
Answer: B
FAQ
- What does “run sth in” mean? It means to use a new machine gently or to bring someone to the police.
- Can I say “run in the car”? No, say “run the car in.”
- Is “run sth in” formal? It is neutral and used in everyday English.
- Can “run in” be used without an object? Yes, but with a different meaning, like “The dog ran in.”
- Is “run sth in” the same as “break in”? Similar for machines, but “break in” is more informal.
