Run past tense

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Learn past tenses to communicate in English accurately

Meaning of run

move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all the feet on the ground at the same time.

Infinitive

Word: run /rʌn/
Examples:
  • 1. He runs every morning to stay in shape.
  • 2. She runs her own business successfully.
  • 3. They run a small cafe in the town center.

Past Simple

Word: ran /ræn/
Examples:
  • 1. She ran across the field as fast as she could to escape the sudden downpour.
  • 2. He ran the software update overnight so it wouldn't disrupt their work during office hours.
  • 3. They ran into each other at the grocery store after not seeing one another for years.

Past Participle

Word: run /rʌn/
Examples:
  • 1. The marathon was run by athletes from all over the world.
  • 2. The project deadlines have been run past their expected completion dates.
  • 3. The test has been run three times to ensure accuracy.

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Bare infinitive

  1. Habitual actions or routines. When talking about something that happens regularly or is a general truth.
    Example. She runs every morning before work.
    Example. He runs a small cafe downtown.
    Example. Their band runs the show next Saturday.
    Example. To restart the computer, first ensure all applications are closed and then run the reboot command.
  2. Fixed arrangements in the near future. Especially in informal contexts.
    Example. She runs every morning before work.
    Example. He runs a small cafe downtown.
    Example. Their band runs the show next Saturday.
    Example. To restart the computer, first ensure all applications are closed and then run the reboot command.
  3. Giving instructions or directions. It is common in manuals or guides.
    Example. She runs every morning before work.
    Example. He runs a small cafe downtown.
    Example. Their band runs the show next Saturday.
    Example. To restart the computer, first ensure all applications are closed and then run the reboot command.

Past simple

  1. Completed actions in the past. When the action started and finished at a definite time in the past.
    Example. She ran a marathon last year.
    Example. The children ran to school because they were late.
    Example. He ran five miles every day before he injured his knee.
    Example. We ran to the shelter, found it closed, and then ran back home.
  2. Past habits or states. Talking about habits or situations that were true in the past but not anymore.
    Example. She ran a marathon last year.
    Example. The children ran to school because they were late.
    Example. He ran five miles every day before he injured his knee.
    Example. We ran to the shelter, found it closed, and then ran back home.
  3. Sequential actions in the past. Describing actions that happened one after another.
    Example. She ran a marathon last year.
    Example. The children ran to school because they were late.
    Example. He ran five miles every day before he injured his knee.
    Example. We ran to the shelter, found it closed, and then ran back home.

Past participle

  1. Present perfect tense. When talking about actions or situations that occurred at an unspecified time in the past or actions that started in the past and continue to the present.
    Example. He has run three marathons this year.
    Example. They have run out of sugar, so we need to buy some.
    Example. By the time we arrived, the meeting had already run past its scheduled end time.
    Example. The documentary was run on national television last night.
    Example. Having run for miles, they were too exhausted to continue.
  2. Past perfect tense. For actions that were completed before another action in the past.
    Example. He has run three marathons this year.
    Example. They have run out of sugar, so we need to buy some.
    Example. By the time we arrived, the meeting had already run past its scheduled end time.
    Example. The documentary was run on national television last night.
    Example. Having run for miles, they were too exhausted to continue.
  3. Passive voice. When the subject of the sentence is acted upon.
    Example. He has run three marathons this year.
    Example. They have run out of sugar, so we need to buy some.
    Example. By the time we arrived, the meeting had already run past its scheduled end time.
    Example. The documentary was run on national television last night.
    Example. Having run for miles, they were too exhausted to continue.
  4. Perfect participle phrases. To show cause and effect or to indicate an action is completed before the next one begins.
    Example. He has run three marathons this year.
    Example. They have run out of sugar, so we need to buy some.
    Example. By the time we arrived, the meeting had already run past its scheduled end time.
    Example. The documentary was run on national television last night.
    Example. Having run for miles, they were too exhausted to continue.

Common mistakes

— 01

Confusing Past Simple

A common mistake is confusing the past simple form 'ran' with the past participle 'run' when forming perfect tenses. The past simple is used to describe actions that happened at a specific time in the past, e.g., 'I ran five miles yesterday.' In contrast, the past participle must be used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses, e.g., 'I have run five miles today.' Misusing these forms can lead to grammatical errors and confusion about the timing of actions.

— 02

'Run' as Past Simple

Another mistake is using 'run' instead of 'ran' when referring to the past simple tense. Since 'run' is both the base form and the past participle form, learners sometimes mistakenly apply it as the past simple form. For example, saying 'Yesterday, I run to the store' instead of the correct 'Yesterday, I ran to the store.' This error disrupts the clarity of the narrative by failing to accurately signal the action took place in the past.

— 03

Omitting Auxiliary Verbs

A frequent error involves omitting the necessary auxiliary verb when using the past participle 'run' in perfect tense constructions. Forgetting the auxiliary verb leads to incomplete or incorrect sentences. For instance, saying 'I run five miles today' instead of the correct 'I have run five miles today.' This mistake not only affects verb tense usage but also alters the meaning and temporal reference of the action being described.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the past simple and past participle forms of 'run'?

The past simple form of 'run' is 'ran'. This form is used to talk about actions that happened at a specific time in the past. For example, 'I ran a marathon last year.' The past participle form of 'run' is 'run'. It might seem a bit confusing because it's the same as the base form, but it's used differently. The past participle is often used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses or the passive voice. For example, 'I have run marathons in three different countries.'

How do I use 'ran' and 'run' in sentences correctly?

Using 'ran'. Past Simple Tense. You use 'ran' when you are talking about a completed action that happened at a specific time in the past. Example. 'She ran to the store yesterday.' Using 'run' (as a past participle). Present Perfect Tense. Combine 'have' or 'has' with 'run' to talk about experiences or actions that happened at an unspecified time before now. Example. 'They have run in several competitions.' Past Perfect Tense. Combine 'had' with 'run' to talk about something that happened before another action in the past. Example. 'By the time we arrived, the meeting had already run over its scheduled time.' Passive Voice. Combine 'was' or 'been' with 'run' to form the passive voice. Example. 'The marathon was run despite the bad weather.'

Can you give an example of a mistake commonly made with 'ran' and 'run'?

A common mistake is using 'ran' instead of 'run' when forming perfect tenses or using 'run' instead of 'ran' in simple past sentences. Correct usage is crucial for clarity and correctness. Incorrect. 'I have ran three miles every morning.' (Incorrect use of 'ran' in a perfect tense) Correct. 'I have run three miles every morning.'

How can I remember the difference between 'ran' and 'run'?

One way to remember the difference is to associate 'ran' with specific events in the past. Think of 'ran' as a word that captures a moment, like a snapshot. On the other hand, 'run' as a past participle is used in situations where the timing is less specific or when it's used in combination with auxiliary verbs to form different tenses or the passive voice. Practicing by writing sentences or creating flashcards can also help reinforce their correct usage.