Can I use "run sth past" in formal writing?

It’s more common in spoken or informal writing but can be used in less formal business contexts.

Is "run sth past" separable?

Yes, you can separate the object from the verb and particle.

What does "sth" mean in "run sth past"?

"Sth" stands for "something," a placeholder for any object.

Can I use "run it past you" with friends?

Yes, it’s common in casual conversations too.

What is the difference between "run sth past" and "run by"?

They mean almost the same; "run by" is slightly more informal.

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

What Does “Run sth past” Mean?

“Run sth past” means to tell someone an idea or plan to get their opinion or approval before making a decision.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “Run sth past” is commonly used in everyday English when you want to check if someone agrees with an idea or suggestion. It is a useful phrase in both professional and casual settings. When you run something past someone, you share information or a plan to get feedback. Understanding the run sth past meaning helps learners communicate more naturally and confidently. You can use it to ask for advice or simply confirm if your thoughts are clear to others.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: Run sth past (run something past)
Type: Transitive
Level: B2
Short meaning: To share an idea with someone for their opinion or approval

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Run sth past” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object between the verb and the particle, or after the particle.

Run something past someone
Run it past him/her/them
Run something past someone

Examples:

Can I run this idea past you?
I will run it past my manager tomorrow.

How to Use Run sth past?

Use “run sth past” when you want to present an idea, plan, or suggestion to someone for their thoughts or approval. It is often used before making a decision or taking action. This phrase is polite and shows respect for the other person’s opinion.

Common situations include work meetings, casual conversations about plans, or when seeking advice from friends or family.

Examples

Imagine you have an idea for a project but want your colleague’s opinion first.

Let me run this proposal past the team before we finalize it.
Did you run the new schedule past your supervisor yet?
I want to run my plan past you to see what you think.
She ran the budget numbers past the accountant before approving them.
Before we decide, let’s run the idea past the client.

Here, “run sth past” helps show that the speaker is seeking feedback or agreement.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse “run sth past” with similar phrases or use it incorrectly.

Incorrect: I run past the idea to my boss.
Correct: I ran the idea past my boss.
Incorrect: Can I run past this plan with you?
Correct: Can I run this plan past you?

Remember, the object (the idea or plan) should come right after “run” and before “past.”

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “check with,” “run by,” and “bounce off.”

Check with: To ask someone’s permission or opinion. More formal.
Run by: Very similar in meaning, also means to get feedback.
Bounce off: More informal, suggests sharing ideas to see reactions.

While these can often be used interchangeably, “run sth past” is slightly more formal than “bounce off” but less formal than “check with.”

Common Collocations

We often “run” these things “past” someone:

Idea: A thought or suggestion
Plan: A detailed proposal or strategy
Proposal: A formal suggestion, often in business
Schedule: A timetable or calendar
Budget: Financial plan or estimate

Using these collocations helps sound more natural when using the phrase.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of run sth past:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation where two colleagues use “run sth past”:

Anna: I have an idea for the new marketing campaign.

Ben: Great! Did you run it past the manager yet?

Anna: Not yet, I wanted to get your opinion first.

Ben: Sure, run it past me anytime.

Practice

Try this exercise to test your understanding of “run sth past.”

Fill in the blank:

I want to __________ my plan __________ my teacher before starting the project.
A) run / past
B) run past / with
C) run with / past
D) run past / past

Correct answer: A) run / past

FAQ

Q: Can I use “run sth past” in formal writing?
A: It’s more common in spoken or informal writing but can be used in less formal business contexts.
Q: Is “run sth past” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the object from the verb and particle.
Q: What does “sth” mean in “run sth past”?
A: “Sth” stands for “something,” a placeholder for any object.
Q: Can I use “run it past you” with friends?
A: Yes, it’s common in casual conversations too.
Q: What is the difference between “run sth past” and “run by”?
A: They mean almost the same; “run by” is slightly more informal.