What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ran
Example
I ran to catch the bus this morning. [ran: past tense]
Example
She enjoys running in the park every morning. [running: gerund or present participle]
dash
Example
He dashed across the room to answer the phone. [dashed: past tense]
Example
The athlete made a final dash towards the finish line. [dash: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ran is more commonly used than dash in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ran and dash?
Both ran and dash are informal terms that are suitable for casual conversations or writing. However, ran can be used in more formal contexts, while dash is typically reserved for informal or creative writing.