Differences between run down and run up
Run down usually means to criticize or speak negatively about someone or something, or to become exhausted or tired. On the other hand, run up generally means to accumulate or increase something, usually a debt or a bill.
Meanings and Definitions: run down vs run up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Run down
- 1Hit a pedestrian with a vehicle.
The minicab RAN him DOWN on the zebra crossing.
- 2Lose energy or power.
You should only recharge the battery when it has fully RUN DOWN.
- 3Criticise, disparage.
They're always RUNNING me DOWN and I am sick and tired of it.
- 4Find the source or origin of something.
The police RAN DOWN all the leads they had and caught them.
Run up
- 1Move quickly to where someone is.
He RAN UP next to me and started shouting.
- 2Hoist, raise a flag.
They RAN UP the Union Jack.
- 3Do or make something very quickly.
He RAN UP a few examples for them to look at.
- 4Spend a lot of money on credit.
He RAN UP a lot of bills at the hotel.
Usage Examples: run down, run up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
run down
Example
My phone battery always runs down quickly when I use it a lot.
Example
His energy runs down quickly when he doesn't get enough sleep.
run up
Example
She ran up a list of potential candidates for the job.
Example
He runs up the stairs to catch the bus.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run down
To express disapproval or negative feedback about someone or something.
Example
She always criticizes her co-workers behind their backs, which creates a toxic work environment.
bad-mouth
To speak negatively or slanderously about someone or something.
Example
He constantly bad-mouths his ex-girlfriend, even though they broke up years ago.
To harshly criticize or attack someone or something.
Example
The movie was slammed by critics for its poor acting and predictable plot.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run up
rack up
To accumulate or increase something, usually a debt or a bill.
Example
He racked up a huge credit card bill by buying unnecessary items online.
build up
To gradually accumulate or increase something over time.
Example
She built up her savings account by setting aside a portion of her paycheck every month.
mount up
To increase or accumulate, usually in a gradual or steady manner.
Example
The stress mounted up as the deadline for the project approached.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “run”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in run down vs run up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: run down or run up?
In daily conversation, people use run down more often than run up. This is because run down can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person's health or criticizing a product. Run up is less common and is mainly used when talking about financial matters.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of run down and run up
Run down and run up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. 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 down and run up
The tone of run down and run up can differ based on context. Run down often carries a negative or critical tone, while run up typically has a neutral or factual tone, especially when referring to financial matters.
