What Does “Run through sth” Mean?
“Run through sth” means to quickly examine or practice something, such as a plan, text, or list. It can also mean to use or spend something completely.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “run through sth” is commonly used in everyday English. It has several related meanings depending on the context. Most often, it means to quickly go over or review something, like a script, a presentation, or a checklist. It can also mean to spend or use something entirely, such as money or resources. Understanding the “run through sth” meaning will help you use it correctly in conversations and writing. This guide explains how to use it properly with examples and common collocations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run through something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to quickly review or use up something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run through sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) either after the entire verb or between “run” and “through”.
- run through something
- run something through
Example:
- Let’s run through the presentation before the meeting.
- Let’s run the presentation through before the meeting.
How to Use Run through sth?
Use “run through sth” when you want to say that you are quickly reviewing or practicing something. It is often used in work, school, or preparation contexts. You can also use it when talking about spending resources or time completely.
Common contexts include:
- Reviewing a script, speech, or plan
- Practicing a routine or procedure
- Using up money or supplies
Examples
Before the meeting, we ran through the agenda to make sure everything was clear.
Here are more examples of “run through sth” in a sentence:
- She ran through the list of questions quickly.
- We need to run through the safety procedures one more time.
- He ran through all his savings during the trip.
- The director ran through the scenes with the actors.
- Can you run through the main points again?
Common Mistakes
People sometimes misuse “run through sth” by confusing its separable form or by using it with incorrect objects.
- Incorrect: I ran the through the report.
- Correct: I ran through the report.
- Incorrect: She run throughed all the money.
- Correct: She ran through all the money.
Differences / Synonyms
“Run through sth” is similar to “go over sth” and “review sth,” but it often implies a quicker or less detailed look. Compared to “use up sth,” it emphasizes consuming something completely.
- Go over sth: to examine carefully and slowly
- Review sth: to study or check something thoroughly
- Use up sth: to consume all of something
Common Collocations
When using “run through sth,” certain objects frequently appear. These collocations help you sound natural.
- Run through a script – practice lines for a play or speech
- Run through the agenda – review items to discuss
- Run through a checklist – verify tasks or items
- Run through money – spend all your money
- Run through resources – use all available supplies
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run through sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using “run through sth”:
Emma: Can we run through the presentation one more time before the client arrives?
John: Sure, I want to make sure we cover all the points clearly.
Emma: Great, let’s start with the introduction.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “run through sth”:
- Before the meeting, we _______ the report to check for mistakes.
- She quickly _______ all her savings during the vacation.
- Can you _______ the schedule with me one more time?
FAQ
- What does “run through sth” mean?
It means to quickly review or use up something.
- Is “run through sth” separable?
Yes, you can place the object between “run” and “through” or after the whole phrase.
- Can “run through sth” mean spending money?
Yes, it can mean using all of your money or resources.
- How is “run through sth” different from “go over sth”?
“Run through sth” usually means a quicker review, while “go over sth” is more detailed.
- Can I use “run through sth” in formal writing?
Yes, but it is more common in spoken and informal contexts.
