Run on
verb
To continue for a longer period than intended or usual.
The meeting ran on for an hour longer than planned.
Often appears as...
- run on for
- run on longer
verb
To be operated or powered by a particular source of energy.
This car runs on electricity rather than petrol.
Often appears as...
- run on electricity
- run on diesel
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To talk or write for a long time, often in a boring way.
He would run on about his various achievements for hours if you'd let him.
Often appears as...
- run on about
- run on endlessly
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A sentence in which two or more independent clauses are not separated by a punctuation or a conjunction.
Her essay was full of run-ons; it was quite tough to follow.
Often appears as...
- run-on sentence
- run-on error
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
verb
To continue for a longer period than intended or usual.
The meeting ran on for an hour longer than planned.
Often appears as...
- run on for
- run on longer
verb
To be operated or powered by a particular source of energy.
This car runs on electricity rather than petrol.
Often appears as...
- run on electricity
- run on diesel
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To talk or write for a long time, often in a boring way.
He would run on about his various achievements for hours if you'd let him.
Often appears as...
- run on about
- run on endlessly
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A sentence in which two or more independent clauses are not separated by a punctuation or a conjunction.
Her essay was full of run-ons; it was quite tough to follow.
Often appears as...
- run-on sentence
- run-on error
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Event Extension
Use 'run on' to indicate something lasting longer than expected.
Yesterday's concert ran on until midnight.
Pro Tip 2/2Unexpected Delay
Express unplanned or unwanted extensions of events with 'run on'.
The game ran on due to extra innings.
Pro Tip 1/2Event Extension
Use 'run on' to indicate something lasting longer than expected.
Yesterday's concert ran on until midnight.
Pro Tip 2/2Unexpected Delay
Express unplanned or unwanted extensions of events with 'run on'.
The game ran on due to extra innings.
Pro Tip 1/2Event Extension
Use 'run on' to indicate something lasting longer than expected.
Yesterday's concert ran on until midnight.
Pro Tip 2/2Unexpected Delay
Express unplanned or unwanted extensions of events with 'run on'.
The game ran on due to extra innings.
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