runs 30秒で
- The word 'runs' is primarily the third-person singular form of the verb 'to run', used for 'he', 'she', or 'it' in the present tense.
- It describes physical movement faster than walking, such as an athlete competing in a race or a child playing in a field.
- Beyond physical movement, it indicates that a machine or computer program is functioning, operating, or executing its intended tasks correctly.
- It is also used to describe managing a business, the flow of liquids, the path of a road, or the duration of an event.
The word runs is a multifaceted verb that serves as the third-person singular present tense of 'to run'. At its most fundamental level, it describes a physical action where a person or animal moves at a speed faster than a walk, characterized by moments where both feet are off the ground. However, in modern English, its utility extends far beyond the athletics track. We use 'runs' to describe the operation of machinery, the management of businesses, the flow of liquids, and even the duration of events. When you say 'the engine runs smoothly,' you are not suggesting the motor has legs; rather, you are indicating that it is functioning correctly. This versatility makes 'runs' one of the most hardworking verbs in the English language, appearing in contexts ranging from casual conversation to highly technical manuals.
- Physical Locomotion
- This is the primary meaning. It involves rapid movement on foot. For example, a professional athlete runs a marathon, or a child runs to catch the school bus. It implies energy, speed, and intent.
Every morning, Sarah runs five miles along the coastline to clear her head before work.
- Operational Status
- In the world of technology and mechanics, 'runs' indicates that a system is active or a program is executing. A computer runs an operating system, and a refrigerator runs day and night to keep food cold.
- Management and Leadership
- If someone 'runs' a shop, a department, or a country, they are in charge of it. This usage shifts the focus from physical speed to organizational control and responsibility.
The CEO runs the company with a focus on sustainable growth and employee well-being.
Furthermore, 'runs' is used to describe the path or direction of something static. A road runs through the mountains, or a scar runs down a person's arm. In these cases, 'runs' suggests a continuous line or extension. It is also common in the context of time and scheduling; a play runs for three weeks, or a bus runs every fifteen minutes. This breadth of meaning requires learners to pay close attention to the subject of the sentence to determine which specific 'run' is being discussed. Whether it is a liquid that runs (flows), a nose that runs (leaks), or a candidate who runs (competes in an election), the core concept usually involves movement, progression, or continuous action.
The tap runs cold for a few seconds before the hot water finally kicks in.
The local train runs on a limited schedule during the public holidays.
A feeling of excitement runs through the crowd as the band takes the stage.
Using 'runs' correctly requires an understanding of English subject-verb agreement. As the third-person singular form, it must be paired with subjects like 'he', 'she', 'it', or singular nouns (e.g., 'the dog', 'John', 'the computer'). If the subject is plural ('they', 'the dogs'), the 's' is dropped, and the word becomes 'run'. This distinction is a cornerstone of English grammar and is often the first hurdle for A1 learners. Beyond grammar, the context dictates whether 'runs' is used as an intransitive verb (needing no object) or a transitive verb (needing an object).
- Intransitive Use (No Object)
- When we say 'He runs,' the action is complete. We don't need to know *what* he is running. This usually refers to the physical act of jogging or sprinting. It can also refer to the passage of time: 'The lease runs out next month.'
The athlete runs with incredible grace and speed.
- Transitive Use (With Object)
- When 'runs' takes an object, the meaning often shifts to management or distance. 'She runs a business' (manages) or 'He runs a mile' (completes a distance). Here, the object clarifies the scope of the action.
- Metaphorical and Idiomatic Use
- 'Runs' is frequently found in idioms. 'He runs a tight ship' means he manages things strictly. 'It runs in the family' means a trait is hereditary. These uses are essential for reaching B1 and B2 levels of fluency.
Musical talent runs in her family; both her parents are concert pianists.
In technical writing, 'runs' is indispensable. 'The script runs automatically at midnight' or 'The engine runs on diesel.' In these cases, 'runs' is synonymous with 'operates' or 'functions'. It is also used to describe the state of a liquid: 'The paint runs if you apply too much.' This implies a lack of control or a downward flow due to gravity. Understanding these nuances allows a speaker to move from basic descriptions to complex explanations of how things work and how they are managed.
The software runs a diagnostic check every time the system boots up.
The river runs deep and wide at this point in the valley.
The word 'runs' is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every facet of daily life. In a domestic setting, you might hear someone say, 'The dishwasher runs for an hour,' or 'The cat runs to the door when it hears the kibble bag.' These are simple, descriptive uses. However, as you move into professional and public spheres, the word takes on more specialized meanings. In business, 'runs' is the go-to verb for operations. 'Who runs this department?' is a common question for new employees. In politics, 'runs' describes the act of campaigning: 'She runs for mayor every four years.'
- In the Workplace
- Managers use 'runs' to describe processes. 'The production line runs 24/7,' or 'This project runs until December.' It conveys a sense of continuity and ongoing effort.
My manager runs the weekly meetings with efficiency and a strict agenda.
- In Technology and IT
- If you work with computers, you'll hear 'runs' constantly. 'The server runs out of memory,' or 'The application runs slowly on older hardware.' It is the standard way to describe software execution.
- In Sports and News
- Commentators use 'runs' to describe an athlete's performance. 'He runs a sub-ten-second hundred meters.' In news, it might describe a story: 'The newspaper runs a feature on climate change today.'
The news agency runs a live blog during the national elections.
You will also encounter 'runs' in nature documentaries ('The river runs dry in summer') and medical contexts ('The fever runs high at night'). In each case, the word provides a vivid sense of movement or state. Even in fashion, one might say 'the color runs,' meaning the dye bleeds into other fabrics during washing. This incredible range of application is why 'runs' is a foundational word for any English learner. It bridges the gap between the physical world and abstract concepts of time, management, and function.
The mountain stream runs clear and cold even in the heat of July.
A high risk of failure runs through this entire experimental project.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 'runs' is related to subject-verb agreement. In English, the third-person singular (he, she, it) requires an 's' at the end of the verb in the present simple tense. Beginners often say 'He run every day' instead of 'He runs every day.' This error is particularly common for speakers whose native languages do not conjugate verbs based on the subject. Another common pitfall is confusing 'runs' with the present continuous form 'is running'. While 'He runs' describes a habit or a general fact, 'He is running' describes an action happening right now.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Mistake: 'My brother run fast.' Correct: 'My brother runs fast.' Always check if the subject is a single person or thing.
Correct: She runs the shop. Incorrect: She run the shop.
- Confusion with Continuous Tense
- Mistake: Using 'runs' for an immediate action. 'Look! He runs!' is technically correct but sounds unnatural. 'Look! He is running!' is much better for something happening in the moment.
- Misusing for Non-Humans
- Learners sometimes use 'runs' when 'works' or 'operates' might be clearer, though 'runs' is often acceptable. However, saying 'The clock runs' is common, but 'The clock is running' is more frequent when discussing its current state.
The computer runs a full scan every Sunday night at 2 AM.
Finally, there is the confusion between 'runs' as a verb and 'runs' as a plural noun (e.g., 'He scored three runs'). In writing, the context usually makes it clear, but in listening, learners must be alert. Another subtle mistake is using 'runs' for things that should use 'goes' or 'flows'. For instance, while 'the river runs' is poetic and correct, 'the traffic runs' is less common than 'the traffic flows' or 'the traffic is moving'. Paying attention to these collocations—words that naturally go together—is key to sounding like a native speaker.
The refrigerator runs constantly, which might mean the thermostat is broken.
Time runs short when you are trying to finish a big project on a deadline.
Because 'runs' has so many meanings, there are dozens of alternatives depending on what you are trying to say. If you mean physical movement, you might use 'sprints', 'jogs', or 'trots'. If you mean management, you might use 'manages', 'directs', or 'operates'. Choosing a more specific word can make your English sound more precise and advanced. For example, 'He runs the company' is perfectly fine, but 'He oversees the company' sounds more professional. Similarly, 'The water runs' is basic, but 'The water cascades' is descriptive and evocative.
- Physical Movement Alternatives
- Sprints: Running very fast for a short distance. Jogs: Running at a slow, steady pace for exercise. Dashes: Running suddenly and quickly.
Instead of just saying he runs, you could say he 'sprints' to the finish line.
- Business and Management Alternatives
- Manages: Handling the day-to-day operations. Leads: Providing vision and direction. Coordinates: Organizing different parts of a project.
- Flow and Movement Alternatives
- Flows: Used for liquids or traffic. Streams: Used for continuous movement of people or things. Extends: Used for physical things like roads or fences.
The highway runs parallel to the coast, offering stunning ocean views.
Comparing 'runs' to 'walks' is also useful. While 'walks' is slow and deliberate, 'runs' is fast and energetic. In a business context, 'runs' implies active control, whereas 'owns' simply implies possession. A person might own a shop but hire someone else who runs it. Understanding these distinctions helps learners choose the right word for the right situation, moving beyond the most basic vocabulary to a more nuanced and expressive level of English.
The software runs a background process that automatically saves your work.
A sense of duty runs through his family, leading many to serve in the military.
How Formal Is It?
"The executive runs the corporation with meticulous attention to detail."
"He runs five miles every morning before breakfast."
"My brother runs like a maniac when he's excited."
"The bunny runs fast to hide in the grass."
"That new app runs like a dream on my new phone."
豆知識
The verb 'to run' has one of the longest entries in the Oxford English Dictionary because it has over 600 different meanings and uses. 'Runs' is just one small part of this massive linguistic history.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing the final 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.
- Using a long 'u' sound like in 'moons' instead of the short 'u' in 'cups'.
- Dropping the 's' entirely when speaking quickly.
- Over-emphasizing the 'r' in a way that sounds unnatural.
- Confusing the vowel sound with 'rans' (past tense).
難易度
The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.
Requires remembering the third-person 's' for singular subjects.
Learners must practice the voiced 'z' sound at the end.
Can be confused with the plural noun 'runs' in some contexts.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
知っておくべき文法
Third-Person Singular Present Simple
He runs (not 'He run').
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
He runs (intransitive). He runs a shop (transitive).
Stative vs. Dynamic Verbs
He runs (dynamic). The road runs (stative/descriptive).
Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
The team runs (singular) vs. The members run (plural).
Phrasal Verb Conjugation
She runs out of time (the 's' stays on 'run').
レベル別の例文
He runs in the park every morning.
Il court dans le parc chaque matin.
Third-person singular 's' added to 'run'.
The dog runs after the ball.
Le chien court après la balle.
Singular subject 'the dog' takes 'runs'.
She runs to catch the bus.
Elle court pour attraper le bus.
Present simple for a habitual or immediate action.
My brother runs very fast.
Mon frère court très vite.
Adverb 'fast' modifies the verb 'runs'.
The cat runs when it is scared.
Le chat court quand il a peur.
Used to describe a general fact about the cat.
He runs a race today.
Il court une course aujourd'hui.
Transitive use with the object 'a race'.
She runs every day at 6 AM.
Elle court tous les jours à 6 heures du matin.
Frequency expression 'every day' used with present simple.
The water runs from the tap.
L'eau coule du robinet.
Using 'runs' to describe liquid movement.
The train runs every thirty minutes.
Le train circule toutes les trente minutes.
Describes a schedule.
My computer runs very slowly today.
Mon ordinateur fonctionne très lentement aujourd'hui.
Describes the operation of a machine.
She runs a small shop in the village.
Elle tient un petit magasin dans le village.
Transitive use meaning 'to manage'.
The refrigerator runs all night.
Le réfrigérateur fonctionne toute la nuit.
Describes continuous operation.
The road runs along the river.
La route longe la rivière.
Describes the path of a static object.
He runs the family business now.
Il dirige l'entreprise familiale maintenant.
Meaning 'to be in charge of'.
The clock runs on batteries.
L'horloge fonctionne avec des piles.
Describes the power source of a device.
The program runs on my phone.
Le programme fonctionne sur mon téléphone.
Technical use for software execution.
The movie runs for nearly three hours.
Le film dure près de trois heures.
Describes duration.
He runs out of milk every few days.
Il tombe à court de lait tous les quelques jours.
Phrasal verb 'run out of' in third-person singular.
The river runs through the center of town.
La rivière traverse le centre de la ville.
Describes the geographical path.
She runs a marathon once a year.
Elle court un marathon une fois par an.
Transitive use with a specific distance/event.
The tap runs cold if you wait a minute.
L'eau du robinet devient froide si vous attendez une minute.
Describes a change in state or quality.
He runs a very successful blog.
Il gère un blog très réussi.
Modern use for managing digital content.
The contract runs until the end of the year.
Le contrat court jusqu'à la fin de l'année.
Describes the validity period of a document.
A strange smell runs through the hallway.
Une odeur étrange parcourt le couloir.
Metaphorical use for a pervasive quality.
The company runs a deficit this quarter.
L'entreprise accuse un déficit ce trimestre.
Business term for financial status.
He runs for president in the next election.
Il se présente à la présidence lors des prochaines élections.
Political use for campaigning.
The script runs automatically every night.
Le script s'exécute automatiquement chaque nuit.
Technical use for automated tasks.
A common theme runs through all his novels.
Un thème commun traverse tous ses romans.
Abstract use for recurring ideas.
The road runs parallel to the railway tracks.
La route est parallèle aux voies ferrées.
Describes spatial relationship.
She runs the risk of losing her job.
Elle court le risque de perdre son emploi.
Idiomatic expression 'run the risk'.
The festival runs from June to August.
Le festival se déroule de juin à août.
Describes the span of an event.
The engine runs on a mixture of gas and air.
Le moteur fonctionne avec un mélange de gaz et d'air.
Describes the functional mechanism.
A vein of dark humor runs through the play.
Une veine d'humour noir parcourt la pièce.
Sophisticated metaphorical use.
The argument runs as follows in the paper.
L'argumentation se présente comme suit dans l'article.
Formal way to introduce a sequence of ideas.
She runs a tight ship in her department.
Elle mène son département à la baguette.
Idiom for strict management.
The dye runs if you wash it in hot water.
La teinture dégorge si vous la lavez à l'eau chaude.
Technical term for fabric color bleeding.
The logic runs counter to common sense.
La logique va à l'encontre du bon sens.
Formal phrase 'run counter to'.
The story runs on the front page tomorrow.
L'article paraîtra en une demain.
Journalistic jargon for publication.
Inflation runs rampant in the struggling economy.
L'inflation galope dans l'économie en difficulté.
Collocation 'run rampant'.
The legal process runs its course slowly.
Le processus judiciaire suit son cours lentement.
Idiom 'run its course'.
A deep-seated resentment runs through the community.
Un ressentiment profond parcourt la communauté.
Nuanced description of social dynamics.
The coastline runs for hundreds of miles.
Le littoral s'étend sur des centaines de kilomètres.
Describes vast geographical extension.
His ambition runs ahead of his actual ability.
Son ambition dépasse ses capacités réelles.
Abstract comparison of traits.
The software runs a series of complex algorithms.
Le logiciel exécute une série d'algorithmes complexes.
High-level technical description.
The narrative runs in a non-linear fashion.
Le récit se déroule de manière non linéaire.
Literary analysis term.
The tap runs dry during the severe drought.
Le robinet tarit pendant la grave sécheresse.
Idiomatic use for depletion.
A streak of rebellion runs in his blood.
Une fibre rebelle coule dans ses veines.
Idiom for hereditary traits.
The play runs to packed houses every night.
La pièce se joue à guichets fermés tous les soirs.
Theater industry expression.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
runs in the family
runs like clockwork
runs out of time
runs a tight ship
runs the show
runs into trouble
runs a marathon
runs dry
runs high
runs parallel
よく混同される語
Learners often use 'run' when they should use 'runs' for singular subjects.
Used for actions happening right now, while 'runs' is for habits or facts.
The past tense form, used for actions that are already finished.
慣用句と表現
"runs circles around"
To be much better or faster at something than someone else. It implies a significant gap in skill.
She runs circles around her classmates in math.
informal"runs the gauntlet"
To go through a series of difficult challenges or criticisms. It has historical roots in military punishment.
The politician runs the gauntlet of angry protesters.
formal"runs rampant"
To exist or spread in an uncontrolled and often harmful way. Often used for diseases or rumors.
Flu runs rampant through the school in winter.
neutral"runs counter to"
To be the opposite of something or to disagree with a common idea. It is used in logical arguments.
This new evidence runs counter to the old theory.
formal"runs its course"
To continue until a natural end is reached, without interference. Often used for illnesses.
The cold will eventually run its course if you rest.
neutral"runs a temperature"
To have a fever. It is a common way to describe being sick in British and American English.
He runs a temperature and should stay in bed.
neutral"runs a red light"
To drive through an intersection when the traffic light is red. It is a common traffic violation.
He runs a red light and gets a ticket from the police.
neutral"runs on fumes"
To continue working or moving when you have almost no energy or resources left. It is a metaphor from driving.
By Friday, the tired teacher runs on fumes.
informal"runs the risk"
To do something that might result in a negative or dangerous outcome. It implies taking a chance.
If you don't wear a coat, you run the risk of catching a cold.
neutral"runs afoul of"
To get into trouble with a law, rule, or person. It implies a conflict with authority.
The company runs afoul of environmental regulations.
formal間違えやすい
Both are verbs of movement on foot.
Walks is slow (one foot always on ground); runs is fast (both feet can be off ground).
He walks to work, but he runs for exercise.
Both can mean being in charge of a business.
Runs is more common and slightly less formal; manages is more professional.
She runs the store; she manages the staff.
Both describe machines functioning.
Works is general; runs often implies a continuous process or a motor moving.
The clock works; the engine runs.
Both describe liquid movement.
Flows is more descriptive of the movement; runs is more about the source or path.
The river flows gently; the river runs through the town.
Both describe using or being a functioning machine.
Operates is more formal and often implies a person is controlling the machine.
He operates the crane; the crane runs on electricity.
文型パターン
Subject + runs + adverb.
He runs fast.
Subject + runs + every + time.
The bus runs every hour.
Subject + runs + out of + noun.
She runs out of money.
Subject + runs + the risk of + gerund.
He runs the risk of falling.
Subject + runs + counter to + noun.
This runs counter to our goals.
Subject + runs + its course.
The disease runs its course.
Subject + runs + for + duration.
The play runs for two weeks.
Subject + runs + a + noun.
She runs a cafe.
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
Extremely high in both spoken and written English.
-
He run to the store.
→
He runs to the store.
The subject 'He' is third-person singular, so the verb must have an 's'.
-
The water is run from the tap.
→
The water runs from the tap.
Do not use 'is' with the present simple form 'runs'.
-
She runs for two hours yesterday.
→
She ran for two hours yesterday.
Use the past tense 'ran' for actions that happened in the past.
-
They runs a business together.
→
They run a business together.
The subject 'They' is plural, so do not add an 's' to the verb.
-
The computer runs not today.
→
The computer is not running today.
For negative sentences about current status, use 'is not running' or 'does not run'.
ヒント
The 'S' Rule
Always remember to add the 's' when the subject is one person or thing (he, she, it). This is the most common mistake for learners.
Voiced Ending
The 's' in 'runs' sounds like a 'z'. Practice saying 'runz' to sound more like a native speaker.
Avoid Repetition
If you use 'runs' too much, try synonyms like 'manages', 'operates', or 'flows' to make your writing more interesting.
Phrasal Verbs
Listen for words like 'out', 'into', or 'over' after 'runs'. They change the meaning completely.
Idioms
Learn common idioms like 'runs in the family' or 'runs out of time' to understand natural English conversation.
Software Talk
In IT, 'runs' is the standard word for executing code. Use it when talking about apps or programs.
Health Context
If someone 'runs a fever', they are sick. This is a very common medical expression.
Geographical Path
Use 'runs' to describe where a road, river, or fence goes (e.g., 'the road runs north').
Duration
Use 'runs' to say how long an event like a play, movie, or festival lasts.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember: 'He runs for funs.' The 's' at the end of 'runs' matches the 's' in 'funs' (even though 'funs' isn't a real word, it helps you remember the third-person singular 's').
視覚的連想
Visualize a giant letter 'S' wearing running shoes and sprinting across a field. This links the 'S' sound to the action of running.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to write five sentences using 'runs' in five different ways: physical movement, machine operation, business management, liquid flow, and time duration.
語源
The word 'runs' comes from the Old English 'rinnan' or 'iernan', which meant to flow or to move rapidly. It has Germanic roots and is related to the Dutch 'rennen' and German 'rennen'. Over centuries, the spelling and pronunciation shifted from 'rin' to 'run'.
元の意味： To move rapidly, to flow like water, or to melt.
Germanic文化的な背景
Be careful when using 'runs' in a medical context, as 'the runs' is a common slang term for diarrhea.
Running is often associated with personal discipline and freedom in Western cultures.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Sports and Exercise
- runs a marathon
- runs a race
- runs for health
- runs on the track
Business and Work
- runs a department
- runs a meeting
- runs a project
- runs a startup
Technology
- runs a script
- runs an update
- runs in the background
- runs on Windows
Daily Life
- runs errands
- runs late
- runs the tap
- runs to the store
Nature and Geography
- runs through the valley
- runs into the ocean
- runs along the coast
- runs dry
会話のきっかけ
"Who runs the most successful business in your home town?"
"How often do you think a professional athlete runs per week?"
"What kind of software runs on your computer most of the time?"
"If a river runs through a city, how does it change the atmosphere?"
"Do you know anyone who runs for local political office?"
日記のテーマ
Describe a person you know who runs their life very efficiently and how they do it.
Write about a time you had to run to catch a bus or train. What happened?
Imagine you are a CEO. Describe how you runs your company on a daily basis.
Reflect on a family trait that runs in your family and how it affects you.
Write a short story about a machine that runs forever without stopping.
よくある質問
10 問No, 'runs' can also be a plural noun, such as in baseball (scoring runs) or when referring to a series of events (a run of bad luck).
Use 'run' for 'I', 'you', 'we', and 'they'. Use 'runs' only for 'he', 'she', and 'it' in the present tense.
Yes, it is a very common way to describe water flowing from a tap or a river moving through a landscape.
It means a specific quality, talent, or medical condition is passed down through generations in a family.
In the context of a business or organization, yes, they are synonyms. 'He runs the shop' means 'He manages the shop'.
Yes, you can say 'the contract runs for a year' to describe how long something lasts.
Yes, 'runs for office' means someone is a candidate in an election.
'Runs' is for a habit (He runs every day), while 'is running' is for right now (He is running at the moment).
Yes, if a color 'runs', it means the dye comes out of the fabric when it gets wet.
It means to use up the entire supply of something, like milk, money, or time.
自分をテスト 93 問
Write a sentence about a person running in the park.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about someone managing a shop.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
/ 93 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'runs' is a highly versatile verb that goes beyond physical speed; it encompasses management, mechanical operation, and the flow of time or liquids. Example: 'He runs the company while his sister runs marathons.'
- The word 'runs' is primarily the third-person singular form of the verb 'to run', used for 'he', 'she', or 'it' in the present tense.
- It describes physical movement faster than walking, such as an athlete competing in a race or a child playing in a field.
- Beyond physical movement, it indicates that a machine or computer program is functioning, operating, or executing its intended tasks correctly.
- It is also used to describe managing a business, the flow of liquids, the path of a road, or the duration of an event.
The 'S' Rule
Always remember to add the 's' when the subject is one person or thing (he, she, it). This is the most common mistake for learners.
Context is Key
Look at what is doing the action. If it's a person, they are moving fast. If it's a business, they are managing it. If it's a machine, it's working.
Voiced Ending
The 's' in 'runs' sounds like a 'z'. Practice saying 'runz' to sound more like a native speaker.
Avoid Repetition
If you use 'runs' too much, try synonyms like 'manages', 'operates', or 'flows' to make your writing more interesting.
