Phrasal verbs "run against" vs "run up against"

Differences between run against and run up against

Run against means to compete in an election or race against someone, while run up against means to encounter a difficulty or obstacle.

Meanings and Definitions: run against vs run up against

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Run against

• 1. Oppose, make difficulties.

  Opinion is RUNNING AGAINST his policies and he has very little support.

Run up against

• 1. Encounter problems, often unexpected.

  They RAN UP AGAINST a lot of opposition to the construction.

Usage Examples: run against, run up against in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

run against

Example

The new law runs against the public's wishes.

Example

Her proposal runs against the company's values.

run up against

Example

We ran up against some issues while planning the event.

Example

She runs up against problems with her computer all the time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run against

compete against

To participate in a competition or contest against someone.

Example

She decided to compete against her friend in the upcoming marathon.

stand for election

To be a candidate in an election.

Example

He announced his decision to stand for election as the new mayor of the city.

campaign for

To actively promote or support a candidate or cause during an election.

Example

She spent months campaigning for her favorite political party in the national elections.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run up against

encounter a problem

To face or experience a difficulty or obstacle.

Example

We encountered a problem when the software crashed during the presentation.

hit a snag

To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle that slows down progress.

Example

We hit a snag when we realized that the materials we needed were out of stock.

face a challenge

To confront a difficult situation or problem that requires effort or skill to overcome.

Example

The team faced a challenge when they had to complete the project within a tight deadline.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “run”

• run off with
• run for
• run in
• run with
• run through

Phrasal Verbs with “against”

• count against
• hold against
• pit against
• go against
• take against

Phrasal Verbs with “up against”

• come up against
• rub up against
• gang up against
• stack up against

Differences in run against vs run up against: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: run against or run up against?

In daily conversation, people use run up against more often than run against. This is because encountering difficulties or obstacles is a common experience that people talk about. Run against is less common and is mainly used when talking about elections or races.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of run against and run up against

Run against and run up against are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of run against and run up against

The tone of run against and run up against can differ based on context. Run against often carries a competitive or political tone, while run up against typically has a frustrated or challenging tone, especially when referring to encountering obstacles.

run against & run up against: Synonyms and Antonyms

Run against

Synonyms

• oppose
• contradict
• counter
• resist
• defy
• go against
• clash with
• conflict with

Antonyms

• support
• follow
• agree with
• conform to
• comply with
• abide by
• adhere to

Run up against

Synonyms

• encounter
• face
• confront
• meet
• experience
• tackle
• come across
• deal with

Antonyms

• avoid
• dodge
• evade
• sidestep
• bypass
• circumvent
• skirt