In 15 Seconds
- Being the primary person in charge of a business's operations.
- Used for both small shops and massive global corporations.
- Implies active leadership and daily decision-making power.
Meaning
To 'run a company' means you are the person in charge of making the big decisions and keeping the business moving forward every day.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a new person at a party
My sister runs a company that makes eco-friendly packaging.
My sister runs a company that makes eco-friendly packaging.
In a formal job interview
I have been running a company for five years, so I understand leadership.
I have been running a company for five years, so I understand leadership.
Texting a friend about a busy day
I can't talk now, running a company is harder than it looks!
I can't talk now, running a company is harder than it looks!
Cultural Background
There is a strong cultural emphasis on the 'Founder-CEO.' Running a company is seen as a sign of ultimate personal success and the 'American Dream.' Leadership is often more about consensus. While one person 'runs' the company, decisions are often made through a process called 'ringi' (collective decision-making). German companies often have a 'two-tier' board system. Running a company involves a management board and a separate supervisory board, emphasizing stability. The phrase 'running a company' is often replaced by 'scaling a startup,' reflecting the focus on rapid growth over traditional management.
Use it for small things too
You don't need to be a billionaire. You can 'run a blog,' 'run a club,' or 'run a household.'
Watch the past tense
Many learners say 'I have ran.' The correct form is 'I have run' or 'I ran.'
In 15 Seconds
- Being the primary person in charge of a business's operations.
- Used for both small shops and massive global corporations.
- Implies active leadership and daily decision-making power.
What It Means
To run a company isn't about physical exercise. It means you are the boss, the leader, or the manager. You handle the operations, the people, and the money. Think of a company like a complex machine. You are the one turning the gears to keep it from stopping.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about leadership. It is a very active expression. You don't just 'have' a company; you run it. Use it with the present continuous running if you are doing it right now. Use the simple present run to describe your general job. It works for tiny bakeries or giant tech firms.
When To Use It
Use it in job interviews to show your experience. Use it when introducing a friend who is an entrepreneur. It sounds powerful and responsible. You can use it at a dinner party when someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" It sounds more impressive than saying "I work at a company."
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are just a regular employee. If you only manage one small team, say manage a team instead. Using run a company when you don't own it might sound like you are bragging. Avoid it in very technical legal documents where operate or incorporate might be better. Don't say it to your boss unless you want to get fired for claiming their job!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, 'running' something implies energy and speed. It comes from the idea of keeping a mechanism in motion. There is a big focus on the 'self-made' leader. People who run a company are often respected for their hard work. It suggests you have the 'stamina' to keep the business alive.
Common Variations
You might hear run the show for general leadership. Small business owners often say they run a small business. In slang, someone might say they run things around here. If you are doing it with a partner, you co-run the business. If it's going badly, you might run it into the ground—but let's hope not!
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any professional or social setting. Be careful not to use it if you are in a mid-level position, as it specifically implies top-tier leadership.
Use it for small things too
You don't need to be a billionaire. You can 'run a blog,' 'run a club,' or 'run a household.'
Watch the past tense
Many learners say 'I have ran.' The correct form is 'I have run' or 'I ran.'
The 'Into the Ground' idiom
If you want to sound native, use 'run it into the ground' to describe a business failing due to bad leadership.
Entrepreneur vs. CEO
In English, 'running a company' sounds more active and 'hands-on' than 'being a CEO.'
Examples
6My sister runs a company that makes eco-friendly packaging.
My sister runs a company that makes eco-friendly packaging.
A natural way to describe someone's impressive career.
I have been running a company for five years, so I understand leadership.
I have been running a company for five years, so I understand leadership.
Shows authority and high-level experience.
I can't talk now, running a company is harder than it looks!
I can't talk now, running a company is harder than it looks!
Casual and slightly complaining about the workload.
Look at him bossing everyone around; he thinks he runs a company!
Look at him bossing everyone around; he thinks he runs a company!
Using the phrase to joke about a bossy toddler.
After his father died, he had to run a company he didn't want.
After his father died, he had to run a company he didn't want.
Shows the burden of responsibility.
She is the first woman to run a company of this size in our country.
She is the first woman to run a company of this size in our country.
Formal reporting of a significant achievement.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'run'.
By the time she was 25, she had already _______ three different startups.
This is the past participle used with 'had' (past perfect). The forms are run-ran-run.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is the boss of a business?
How do you describe Mark Zuckerberg's job at Meta?
'Run a company' is the standard collocation for being in charge.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: 'Is it stressful to be the CEO?' B: 'Yes, _______ is a 24/7 job.'
The gerund 'running' acts as the subject of the sentence.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
Which phrase fits a formal business report?
This is the most formal way to express the concept of running a company.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Run vs. Work For
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBy the time she was 25, she had already _______ three different startups.
This is the past participle used with 'had' (past perfect). The forms are run-ran-run.
How do you describe Mark Zuckerberg's job at Meta?
'Run a company' is the standard collocation for being in charge.
A: 'Is it stressful to be the CEO?' B: 'Yes, _______ is a 24/7 job.'
The gerund 'running' acts as the subject of the sentence.
Which phrase fits a formal business report?
This is the most formal way to express the concept of running a company.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is very common and sounds natural for small retail businesses.
'Running' implies total control and responsibility, while 'managing' can refer to a specific department or task.
It is neutral. It's fine for a job interview, but in a legal contract, you might see 'direct' or 'administer.'
Yes, 'run' is often used for projects, events, or campaigns.
Use 'a' when speaking generally and 'the' when referring to a specific one you've already mentioned.
In this context, yes. It implies the highest level of operational authority.
Metaphorically, we might say an algorithm 'runs' things, but usually, it refers to human leadership.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'working for a company' is the alternative status.
Yes, 'run a household' is a common idiom for managing a home.
Yes, 'ran' is the simple past. 'Run' is the past participle.
You can! 'Lead' focuses more on the people and vision, while 'run' focuses on the operations and work.
Yes, it is equally common in American, British, Australian, and Canadian English.
Related Phrases
run a tight ship
specialized formTo manage a company or organization in a very strict and efficient way.
at the helm
similarIn charge of an organization.
call the shots
similarTo be the person who makes the important decisions.
run into the ground
contrastTo manage a company so badly that it fails.
head up
synonymTo be in charge of a department or project.
