Hurry vs Run faster

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hurry

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb

Run faster

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Hurry
 HurryRun faster
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhʌri/","/ˈhʌriz/","/ˈhʌrid/","/ˈhʌriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɜːri/","/ˈhɜːriz/","/ˈhɜːrid/","/ˈhɜːriɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //rʌn ˈfɑːstər//🇺🇸 //rʌn ˈfæstər//
MeaningTo go fast or make someone go fast.Move quickly or improve speed.
ExampleYou need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.You need to run faster if you want to catch the bus.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationshurry up, in a hurry, hurry home, hurry along, hurry to finishrun faster than, run faster in, run faster with, run faster without, run faster for
Antonymsdelay, slow, pause-
Common mistakesConfusing 'hurry' with 'rush' in different contexts., Using 'hurry' without an object when one is needed., Mispronouncing 'hurry' as if it has two syllables.Confusing 'run faster' with 'run fast' - 'faster' is a comparative form., Using 'run faster' for non-physical contexts when discussing speed of processes., Omitting the comparative form when comparing speeds.
Usage notesUse 'hurry' when you need to act quickly. It's suitable for all types of communication but avoid it in very formal contexts.Used in both formal and informal contexts. Can be a command or suggestion in sports, exercise, or competition settings.

See it in real clips

Hurry
Run faster

Frequently asked questions: Hurry vs Run faster

What's the difference between Hurry and Run faster?

Hurry: To go fast or make someone go fast. Run faster: Move quickly or improve speed.

Which is more common: Hurry and Run faster?

Hurry is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Hurry: You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus. Run faster: You need to run faster if you want to catch the bus.

Can I use Hurry and Run faster interchangeably?

Not always. Hurry and Run faster 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.

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