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Prepositions before nouns

Of run or to run

To run is a normal infinitive verb form. Of run is not a standard combination in current English.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use to run when run is a verb in the infinitive form. Do not use of run in standard English.

She likes to run every morning
They trained to run faster

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
to run + purpose

Using the infinitive verb

To run introduces an action.

He learned to run a business
2
run of + noun

Using run as a noun

When run is a noun, of usually comes after it.

a run of bad luck

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
to run
She wants to run a marathon.
infinitive verb
of run
This combination is not standard.
generally incorrect
run of
a run of victories
series or sequence

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of before run

English does not normally use of run as a fixed phrase.

✕ the idea of run fast ✓ the idea of running fast

Confusing noun and verb forms

Use running after prepositions.

✓ He talked about running.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She hopes ___ a company someday.
2. We had a run ___ good weather.
3. Which is nonstandard?

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Frequently asked questions

Is of run ever correct?

Not as a normal modern English phrase.

Why is to run common?

It is the infinitive form of the verb run.

Can run be a noun?

Yes. Examples include a run of success and a bus run.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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