What are the definitions of “run in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Arrest, take to police station for questioning.
They RAN him IN last night.
- 2Drive a new car carefully in order not to damage the engine
She RAN the car IN for a thousand miles.
- 3Pay a casual visit.
We RAN IN and chatted for an hour.
- 4Insert.
He RAN a graph IN next to the text.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run in is to arrest someone or take them to the police station for questioning. For example, it can mean detaining a suspect or bringing someone in for an interview with the police.
What are the different verb forms of “run in”?
| Root Verb | run in |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs in |
| Present Participle | running in |
| Simple Past | ran in |
| Past Participle | run in |
Example
The police ran in the suspect for questioning.
Example
She runs in the new car carefully to avoid damaging the engine.
Example
He is running in the new car by driving it gently for the first few miles.
Example
Yesterday, they ran in the criminal for interrogation.
Example
The suspect has been run in by the police multiple times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run in”?
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 in” 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
The police ran in the suspect for questioning.
Example
She ran in the new car carefully to avoid damaging the engine.
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 in” 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
The police ran in the suspect for questioning.
Example
She ran in the new car carefully to avoid damaging the engine.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run in”?
Good things to know
Does “run in” have an informal or formal tone?
Run in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In formal contexts, consider using alternative phrases such as 'arrest,' 'detain,' or 'insert' depending on the specific meaning.
