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Learn Business English Phrases: run this idea by you
- Erin
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Learn Business English phrases with our Phrase of the Week!
Each week, we introduce a new phrase to help you sound more natural and confident in your professional communication.
For extra practice, you can download the flashcards—just scroll down to the bottom of the page.
This Week's Phrase:
RUN this idea BY you
phrase
to quickly share an idea with someone to get their opinion or approval
Hey, do you have a minute? I wanted to run this idea by you before I make any decisions.
RUN something BY/ PAST somebody
phrasal verb
to show or tell someone something and ask what they think about it
Got a minute? I just wanted to run something past you before I take the next step.
Do you mind if I run an idea by you before proceeding?
Can I get your thoughts on something? I wanted to run this by you first.
Listen to the example sentences below. Click on each picture to hear the audio.
Learn more Business English phrases with run
Let’s take a look at more Business English expressions with the verb run.
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
ANSWER KEY
Don't forget to charge your phone, or it might run out of battery.
The teacher ran off copies of the worksheet for the class.
The project is running behind schedule because of this issue.
The event ran smoothly, and everyone had a great time.
The new website is finally up and running.
RUN OUT OF BATTERY
your device runs out of battery when it loses all its battery power
My phone ran out of battery during the meeting, so I couldn’t take any notes.
I was talking to my friend, and my phone ran out of battery.
We were using the GPS, but the phone ran out of battery, and we got lost.
RUN OFF COPIES
to print many copies of a document
The teacher ran off copies of the worksheet for the students.
We ran off copies of the invitation for the event.
I need to run off copies of the report for the meeting.
RUN BEHIND SCHEDULE
to be late and not finish something on time
The project is running behind schedule.
The construction work is running behind schedule due to bad weather.
The meeting is running behind schedule because we started late.
RUN SMOOTHLY
to function without any problems
The event ran smoothly, and everyone enjoyed it.
The project is running smoothly now that we have all the resources.
The meeting ran smoothly without any issues.
UP AND RUNNING
ready to be used or working properly
After the upgrade, the system is finally up and running.
The new website is up and running and ready for customers.
It took a few hours to get the equipment up and running for the presentation.
Let's Chat!
What do you usually do when a project is running behind schedule?
If a project is running behind schedule, I first see what’s causing the delay. This problem must be fixed immediately, if possible. Then, I focus on the most important tasks. And of course, it's always a good idea to ask my team members for help. (Felix, B1-level learner)
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