run on
B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To keep going too long, to talk and talk without stopping, or what makes an engine or machine work
Literal meaning: To continue running/moving — fairly transparent
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To continue for longer than planned or expected
"The meeting ran on for two hours longer than scheduled."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To talk for too long without stopping, often about unimportant things
"He ran on about his holiday for so long that everyone stopped listening."
Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral
To operate using a particular type of fuel or power source
"This electric car runs on a single charge for over 300 miles."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The 'power source' sense is common in technical and everyday contexts ('runs on electricity'). The 'talk too long' sense is informal. A 'run-on sentence' in grammar derives from this verb.
Commonly used with
electricity battery petrol diesel solar schedule
Forms
Base
run on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs on
he/she/it
Past simple
ran on
yesterday
Past participle
run on
have + pp
-ing form
running on
continuous
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