What Does “Run sth over sb” Mean?
“Run sth over sb” means to hit someone with a vehicle, usually by accident. It can also mean to quickly review or explain something to someone.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Run sth over sb” has two common meanings. First, it refers to the act of accidentally hitting someone with a vehicle, such as a car or bike. Second, it can mean to quickly go through information or ideas with someone to make sure they understand. Understanding the “Run sth over sb” meaning helps learners use it correctly in different situations. This phrasal verb is useful in both everyday conversations and formal contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run something over somebody
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to hit someone with a vehicle; to review information with someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run sth over sb” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (“something”) between “run” and “over” or after “over.” The person (“sb”) follows the phrasal verb.
- run something over somebody
- run over something somebody
Example: “He ran the car over the pedestrian.” or “He ran over the pedestrian with the car.”
How to Use Run sth over sb?
Use “Run sth over sb” when talking about hitting someone with a vehicle, usually by accident. It is also used when reviewing or explaining something quickly to someone. Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning fits best.
Examples
Here are some examples showing “Run sth over sb” in sentences:
- The driver didn’t see the child and accidentally ran him over.
- Before the meeting, I ran the report over my boss to make sure everything was clear.
- She ran the bike over the dog by mistake.
- Let me run over the main points with you one more time.
- The cyclist was almost run over by a speeding car.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the position of the object or misuse the phrase in the wrong context.
- Incorrect: He ran over the pedestrian the car.
- Correct: He ran the car over the pedestrian.
- Incorrect: I run over my notes on the teacher.
- Correct: I ran the notes over with the teacher.
Differences / Synonyms
“Run sth over sb” is similar to “hit sb with sth,” but it specifically involves running over with a vehicle. “Go over” means to review something but doesn’t involve a person being hit.
- Run over: to hit and drive over someone or something.
- Go over: to review or explain information.
- Hit: to strike someone or something, not necessarily with a vehicle.
Common Collocations
We often use “run over” with vehicles and reports or ideas when reviewing.
- Run a car/bike/truck over sb: to hit someone with a vehicle.
- Run a report/plan/idea over sb: to review or explain something to someone.
- Run the numbers over sb: to quickly check calculations with someone.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run sth over sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “Run sth over sb”:
Anna: Did you hear about the accident yesterday?
Ben: Yes, someone ran over a pedestrian near the park.
Anna: That’s terrible! By the way, can you run over the project plan with me before the meeting?
Ben: Sure, let’s do it now.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “run sth over sb”:
- The driver accidentally _________ the dog while backing up.
- Before the presentation, I will _________ the slides with my colleague.
- She was almost _________ by a speeding car on the street.
- Can you _________ the contract over me one more time?
FAQ
- Q: Can “run sth over sb” mean something other than hitting?
A: Yes, it can also mean reviewing or explaining something to someone. - Q: Is “run sth over sb” always negative?
A: No, it can be neutral when used for reviewing information. - Q: Can the object come between “run” and “over”?
A: Yes, the object can be placed between “run” and “over” or after “over.” - Q: What level of English is this phrasal verb?
A: It is generally B2 level. - Q: Is “run over” separable?
A: Yes, “run over” is a separable phrasal verb.
