run on
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle on
Meanings
Continue without stopping, often longer than expected
Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.
“The talk ran on for hours.”
“The film ran on so long that we missed the last bus.”
Use a particular fuel or power source to work
Why “on”? One thing supports another. A plan may need people, facts, money, or past success.
“This bus runs on electricity.”
“Does this old heater run on gas or oil?”
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“The talk ran on for hours.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
run off
A contrast learners often mix up
Leave running, often abruptly
run over
A contrast learners often mix up
Hit and drive over a person or animal with a vehicle; Quickly review something; Continue beyond the planned end time
act on
Same on pattern: support
Take action because of advice or information
base on
Same on pattern: support
Use something as the foundation or starting point
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
build on
Same on pattern: support
Use a previous success as a foundation for more
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
catch on
Same on pattern: continuation
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
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