run across
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle across
Meanings
Encounter someone or something unexpectedly
Why “across”? Two paths cross unexpectedly. A person or thing comes into your path.
“I ran across her at the market.”
“Nina ran across an old photo while clearing a drawer.”
Don't confuse with
Run across means encounter someone or something unexpectedly. Run through means quickly review or rehearse something.
Test yourself
“I ran across her at the market.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
run through
A contrast learners often mix up
Quickly review or rehearse something; Pierce a person with a sword or sharp weapon; Be a constant theme or feature in something
come across
Same across pattern: crossing paths
Find or meet someone or something by chance; Give a particular impression to others; Be expressed clearly enough for people to notice or understand
happen across
Same across pattern: crossing paths
Find or meet someone by chance
stumble across
Same across pattern: crossing paths
Find something by chance
run about
Same base verb: run
Move busily in many directions
run after
Same base verb: run
Chase someone by running
run against
Same base verb: run
Be a candidate in the same election as another person
run along
Same base verb: run
Used to tell a child or someone to leave (often dismissively)
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