Cool MateExamine vs Run this past
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Examine
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Run this past
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Examine
| Examine | Run this past | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rʌn ðɪs pɑːst//🇺🇸 //rʌn ðɪs pæst// |
| Meaning | to look at something carefully to learn more about it | To discuss something with someone to get their opinion. |
| Example | The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. | I need to run this past my manager before we proceed. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine…, carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine… | run an idea past, run this project past, run something past someone |
| Antonyms | ignore, overlook, neglect | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'inspect' — 'examine' is broader than just checking for flaws., Misusing the tense — should use 'examined' for past actions, not 'examine'., Incorrect prepositions — do not say 'examine to' but 'examine for' in some contexts. | Using 'run past' without an object., Confusing it with 'run through', which means to practice or review., Using it in a literal sense rather than a figurative one. |
| Usage notes | Use 'examine' in formal contexts like academic writing or professional discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations, where 'look at' might be preferred. | Use in work or informal situations when asking for feedback. Avoid using in highly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Examine vs Run this past
What's the difference between Examine and Run this past?
Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it Run this past: To discuss something with someone to get their opinion.
Which is more common: Examine and Run this past?
Examine is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. Run this past: I need to run this past my manager before we proceed.
Can I use Examine and Run this past interchangeably?
Not always. Examine and Run this past are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.