Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To continue without stopping or interruption: To proceed or persist in an ongoing manner, often without a planned endpoint or break.
   • To talk at length without pause: To speak continuously and often excessively on a particular topic.

Usage

• The verb "run on" typically describes an action that persists. It is often used to describe processes, events, or speech that continues unabated.
• It is commonly followed by an adverb (e.g., , ) or used in a clause describing the continuation.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The meeting ran on for two hours longer than scheduled.
  • Once he starts talking about his travels, he can run on for hours.
  • If the negotiations run on past Friday, we will need to extend the hotel bookings.

Advanced Usage

• "to run on" (in printing/typography): This is a related but distinct phrasal verb meaning to continue text on the same line without a break or to a new column/page. It is often used in its noun form "run-on."
  • The editor fixed the run-on sentence. (Here, "run-on" is a noun used as an adjective.)
• "to run on" (of machinery): To operate or function.
  • The generator can run on diesel fuel.

Variants and Related Words

• Run-on (noun/adjective): In grammar, a is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction.
  • Avoid writing run-on sentences in your essay.
• Run-on (noun): In printing, matter that is continued to the next line, page, or column.

Synonyms

• Continue: To keep happening or existing without stopping.
• Persist: To continue to do something despite difficulties.
• Prolong: To make something last longer.
• Ramble: To talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way (specific to speech).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Run on about: To talk tediously and at length about a subject.
  • He kept running on about the minute details of the project.
• Run on to: To flow or lead into something else. (Less common)
  • One idea ran on to the next in his rapid speech.

Related Idioms

• Run on empty: To continue doing something despite having no energy, resources, or motivation left.
  • After working three night shifts, I'm just running on empty.
  • (Note: This idiom uses "on" differently; "empty" is a state, not the topic of speech.)

Verb

1. continue uninterrupted
   • The disease will run on unchecked
   • The party kept going until 4 A.M.
2. talk or narrate at length