Cool MateConsult vs Run this past
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Consult
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2verb
Run this past
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: ConsultMost common: Consult
| Consult | Run this past | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈsʌlt/","/kənˈsʌlts/","/kənˈsʌltɪd/","/kənˈsʌltɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈsʌlt/","/kənˈsʌlts/","/kənˈsʌltɪd/","/kənˈsʌltɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rʌn ðɪs pɑːst//🇺🇸 //rʌn ðɪs pæst// |
| Meaning | To ask someone for advice or information. | To discuss something with someone to get their opinion. |
| Example | I need to consult my schedule before making any plans. | I need to run this past my manager before we proceed. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | widely, closely, frequently, need to, should, about, with, widely, closely, frequently, need to, should, about, with | run an idea past, run this project past, run something past someone |
| Antonyms | ignore, dismiss | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'consult' without an object (e.g., saying 'I'm going to consult' without specifying whom or what)., Confusing 'consult' with 'consultant' and using them interchangeably., Using 'consult' in a casual conversation where simpler words are more fitting. | 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 'consult' in formal settings, such as business or academic contexts. It may sound too formal for casual conversations. In informal situations, 'ask' or 'check with' may be more appropriate. | Use in work or informal situations when asking for feedback. Avoid using in highly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Consult vs Run this past
What's the difference between Consult and Run this past?
Consult: To ask someone for advice or information. Run this past: To discuss something with someone to get their opinion.
Which is more formal: Consult and Run this past?
Consult is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Consult and Run this past?
Consult is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Consult: I need to consult my schedule before making any plans. Run this past: I need to run this past my manager before we proceed.
Can I use Consult and Run this past interchangeably?
Not always. Consult 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.