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run by

B1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive

to tell someone an idea for their opinion, or to pass a place while moving

In plain English

to ask someone quickly what they think, or to go past something

What does "run by" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

to tell someone an idea, plan, or information in order to get their opinion or approval

"Can I run this proposal by you before I send it?"

Let me run something by you.

— Common movie/TV dialogue phrase; exact source not reliably recalled
separable
2 B2 neutral

to pass a place or person while moving quickly

"I ran by your office this morning, but you were out."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

to run past something or someone

Actually means

to ask someone quickly what they think, or to go past something

Usage tip

The idea/approval sense is very common in spoken English: 'Can I run this by you?' The physical sense is less common.

Words that pair with "run by"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

idea plan proposal question you boss

How to conjugate "run by"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
run by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs by
he/she/it
Past simple
ran by
yesterday
Past participle
run by
have + pp
-ing form
running by
continuous

Hear "run by" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "run by" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "run by"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

ask check with consult mention to pass by put to

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