Conduct vs We ran the test

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

Conduct

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

We ran the test

Top 2,000 (common)
 ConductWe ran the test
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/kənˈdʌkt/","/kənˈdʌkts/","/kənˈdʌktɪd/","/kənˈdʌktɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈdʌkt/","/kənˈdʌkts/","/kənˈdʌktɪd/","/kənˈdʌktɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //wiː ræn ðə tɛst//🇺🇸 //wi ræn ðə tɛst//
MeaningTo lead or manage something, like a project or an activity.We did the test.
ExampleThe scientist will conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis.We ran the test to check the new software features.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsindependently, separately, jointly, honourably/​honorably, well, with dignity, as, in, wellrun a test, run tests, run diagnostic tests, run performance tests, run a feasibility test
Antonymsneglect, abandon-
Common mistakesConfused with 'conduct' as a noun vs. verb., Incorrectly using it without an object, e.g., 'conduct a meeting' instead of just 'conduct'., Mixing up 'conduct' with similar verbs like 'perform' or 'carry out'.Confused with 'ran' as in past tense of 'run' with physical activity., Inaccurately using 'run the test' for non-testing activities.
Usage notesUse ‘conduct’ in formal contexts, such as business or research. It is not suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.Commonly used in academic and professional contexts. More informal in casual conversations; avoid in very formal writing.

See it in real clips

We ran the test

Frequently asked questions: Conduct vs We ran the test

What's the difference between Conduct and We ran the test?

Conduct: To lead or manage something, like a project or an activity. We ran the test: We did the test.

Can you show an example of each?

Conduct: The scientist will conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis. We ran the test: We ran the test to check the new software features.

Can I use Conduct and We ran the test interchangeably?

Not always. Conduct and We ran the test 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.

Related comparisons