Chase vs Security's gonna run you down hard

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

Chase

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb

Security's gonna run you down hard

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ChaseMost common: Chase
 ChaseSecurity's gonna run you down hard
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/tʃeɪs/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪz/","/tʃeɪst/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃeɪs/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪz/","/tʃeɪst/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.tiz ˈgɒnə rʌn jʊ daʊn hɑːd//🇺🇸 //sɪˈkjʊr.ɪ.tiz ˈɡɑ.nə rʌn jʊ daʊn hɑrd//
MeaningTo run after someone or something quickly.Safety measures will catch up with you strongly.
ExampleThe children love to chase each other in the park.If you don't follow the rules, security's gonna run you down hard.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationschase a dream, chase after, chase someone awayrun you down, security measures, catch you, down hard
Antonymsflee, avoid, escape-
Common mistakesConfusing with 'chase after' which is less common., Using the wrong tense, e.g., 'chased' instead of 'chase' when describing a continuing action., Using it without an object, e.g., saying 'I chase' instead of 'I chase the cat.'Mistakenly using 'run down' to mean criticize., Confusing 'run you down' with 'run away'.
Usage notesUsed when someone is trying to catch something or someone. It's appropriate for most contexts but can be informal if used in phrases like 'chase your dreams.'Commonly used in casual conversations. Not appropriate for formal writing or speeches.

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Chase
Security's gonna run you down hard

Frequently asked questions: Chase vs Security's gonna run you down hard

What's the difference between Chase and Security's gonna run you down hard?

Chase: To run after someone or something quickly. Security's gonna run you down hard: Safety measures will catch up with you strongly.

Which is more formal: Chase and Security's gonna run you down hard?

Chase is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Chase and Security's gonna run you down hard?

Chase is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Chase: The children love to chase each other in the park. Security's gonna run you down hard: If you don't follow the rules, security's gonna run you down hard.

Can I use Chase and Security's gonna run you down hard interchangeably?

Not always. Chase and Security's gonna run you down hard 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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