Run something by someone means sharing it to get their reaction. The check is usually informal and happens before you move forward. It may support a decision, but it is not always formal approval.
Quick check
How well do you know "Run Something By"?
You know "Run Something By" well.
Keep going with the full learning path — more workplace contexts, related expressions, and practice using it yourself with feedback.
Continue with "Run Something By" →There's more to "Run Something By" than it seems.
You've got part of it, but the full learning path goes deeper into its nuances, workplace contexts, and when it sounds natural — then gives you practice using it yourself.
Learn "Run Something By" in depth →Idea and plan checks
Slack, immediate: "Got a sec? Want to run something by you before I send this to the client."
Manager 1:1: "I want to run an idea by you before I bring it to the wider team."
Meeting comment: "Let me run a few options by the group before we lock in a direction."
Draft and wording checks
Email to a colleague: "Can I run the wording past you before this goes out? I don't want to overstate the numbers."
Status update: "I ran the draft by our legal contact yesterday and got informal feedback. Formal approval comes next."
Try it yourself
Ask for a quick reaction
By vs. past, interchangeable
"Mind if I run this by you before I send it?"
"Mind if I run this past you before I send it?"
Both versions are natural in this context. "By" and "past" usually express the same idea here. Preference may vary by speaker or region.
What these examples have in common
Each example has an object: an idea, wording, or several options. The speaker shares it with someone and asks for a reaction. That reaction might be advice or an informal go-ahead. If policy requires approval, request and record that approval separately.
Practice scenarios
Practice using run something by in situations like:
- checking a draft with a colleague before sending it externally
- getting an informal reaction from a manager before a bigger meeting
- getting informal legal or compliance feedback before seeking required approval
Useful practice phrases:
- "Let me run this by you before I send it."
- "I ran it past our legal contact and got some feedback."
- "Mind if I run a few options by the team first?"
Want to actually use "Run Something By" naturally at work?
Understanding it is one thing. Practice its nuances, see how it works in real workplace situations, and use it yourself with feedback.
Start the "Run Something By" learning path →With a noun object, place it between "run" and "by" or "past."