What are the definitions of “run up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach someone without their knowing.
Robert was sitting in his car and a guy RAN UP ON him and shot through the car but missed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run up on is to approach someone suddenly or without their knowledge. This can be used in situations where someone is surprised or caught off guard by another person's unexpected appearance.
What are the different verb forms of “run up on”?
| Root Verb | run up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs up on |
| Present Participle | running up on |
| Simple Past | ran up on |
| Past Participle | run up on |
Example
I didn't see him coming; he just ran up on me.
Example
She runs up on her friends to surprise them.
Example
He is running up on his brother to scare him.
Example
Yesterday, they ran up on the suspect to arrest him.
Example
The thief had run up on the victim before stealing her purse.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run up on”?
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 up on” 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
He ran up on the suspect.
Example
She ran up on her friend to surprise her.
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 up on” 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
He ran up on the suspect.
Example
She ran up on her friend to surprise her.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run up on”?
Run up on someone unexpectedly
To approach someone suddenly, often with the intention of surprising or startling them.
Example
The kids love to run up on their dad when he comes home from work.
Good things to know
Does “run up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Run up on is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or written communication.
