What are the definitions of “run across”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Meet or find accidentally.
IRAN ACROSS an old friend in the library.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run across”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run across is to meet or find someone or something accidentally or unexpectedly. It often refers to encountering a person, place, or object by chance.
What are the different verb forms of “run across”?
| Root Verb | run across |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs across |
| Present Participle | running across |
| Simple Past | ran across |
| Past Participle | run across |
Example
I ran across an interesting article while browsing the internet.
Example
She often runs across old classmates when she visits her hometown.
Example
He is running across many new ideas while researching for his project.
Example
Yesterday, they ran across a hidden gem of a restaurant.
Example
I have run across several useful resources during my studies.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run across”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“run across” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I ran across an old friend at the library.
Example
She ran across a great deal at the store.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“run across” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I ran across an old friend at the library.
Example
She ran across a great deal at the store.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run across”?
Run across an opportunity
To unexpectedly come across a chance or possibility.
Example
He ran across an amazing job opportunity while browsing online.
Good things to know
Does “run across” have an informal or formal tone?
Run across is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
