Can "run sth over sth" be used figuratively?

Mostly, it is used literally for vehicles and objects, but sometimes figuratively in specific contexts.

Is "run sth over sth" separable?

Yes, you can separate the object from the verb.

What is the difference between "run over" and "run sth over sth"?

"Run over" often means hitting and passing over someone or something, while "run sth over sth" focuses on driving something over an object.

Can "run sth over sth" refer to animals?

Yes, if an animal is driven over by a vehicle, you can use it.

What tense is used with "run sth over sth"?

Use past tense "ran" for past events, present "run" for general or present tense.

Run sth over sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Run sth over sth” Mean?

“Run sth over sth” means to drive a vehicle so that it passes over an object or surface, often implying contact or collision.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “Run sth over sth” is commonly used in everyday English when talking about vehicles and objects. It describes the action of moving a vehicle so that it passes over something, such as a small object or surface. Understanding the run sth over sth meaning helps learners express situations involving accidents or movements with vehicles clearly. This phrase can also be used figuratively in some contexts, but its primary use relates to physical contact between a vehicle and an object or surface.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: run something over something
Type: transitive
Level: B1
Short meaning: to drive a vehicle over an object or surface

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Run sth over sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) between “run” and “over” or after “over.”

run something over something
run over something

Example: “He ran the ball over the line.” or “He ran over the ball.”

How to Use Run sth over sth?

Use “run sth over sth” when describing a vehicle moving over an object or surface. This phrasal verb often appears in contexts involving cars, trucks, or other vehicles and small items or surfaces. It can also describe accidents where something or someone is hit by a vehicle.

Examples

Imagine a situation where a car accidentally drives over a small object on the road. Here are some examples using “run sth over sth in a sentence”:

She accidentally ran her phone over the curb while parking.
The truck ran over the broken glass on the street.
I didn’t see the nail and ran my tire over it.
He ran the garden hose over the driveway to water the plants.
The cyclist was careful not to run over any stones on the path.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse this phrasal verb with similar expressions. Here are some common mistakes:

Incorrect: I ran over the ball the car.
Correct: I ran the ball over with the car.
Incorrect: She run over the nail.
Correct: She ran over the nail.

Remember, the verb tense and word order are important for clarity.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “run over” and “drive over,” but they differ slightly:

Run over: Often means to hit and pass over someone or something, usually by accident.
Drive over: More general, meaning to go over something with a vehicle, not necessarily hitting it.

“Run sth over sth” specifically emphasizes the object being driven over.

Common Collocations

People often use “run sth over sth” with common objects related to vehicles or surfaces:

Run a tire over a nail: When a tire hits a sharp object.
Run a car over a curb: When a car passes over the edge of a pavement.
Run a truck over debris: When a vehicle moves over scattered objects.
Run a mower over grass: Moving a lawn mower across grass.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of run sth over sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “run sth over sth”:

Anna: Did you see what happened to my phone?

Ben: No, what?

Anna: I accidentally ran it over with my car when I parked.

Ben: Oh no, is it broken?

Anna: Yes, the screen is cracked.

Practice

Try this exercise to test your understanding of “run sth over sth”:

Choose the correct sentence:

a) He ran the ball over the line.
b) He ran over the ball the line.
c) He ran over ball the line.

Answer: a) He ran the ball over the line.

FAQ

Q: Can “run sth over sth” be used figuratively?
A: Mostly, it is used literally for vehicles and objects, but sometimes figuratively in specific contexts.
Q: Is “run sth over sth” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the object from the verb.
Q: What is the difference between “run over” and “run sth over sth”?
A: “Run over” often means hitting and passing over someone or something, while “run sth over sth” focuses on driving something over an object.
Q: Can “run sth over sth” refer to animals?
A: Yes, if an animal is driven over by a vehicle, you can use it.
Q: What tense is used with “run sth over sth”?
A: Use past tense “ran” for past events, present “run” for general or present tense.