“The correct form is “has run,” as it uses the past participle of the verb “run” in the present perfect tense.“
In English, the use of correct verb forms can often be a tricky aspect of grammar, especially when dealing with irregular verbs. One common question that arises is whether the phrase “has run” or “has ran” is the correct usage. While both phrases might sound familiar, only one is grammatically accurate in standard English. Understanding the differences between these two can help you communicate more clearly and correctly. So, if you’ve ever wondered which one to use, you’re in the right place to find out.
If you’re looking to improve your English grammar, this article will help you master the present perfect tense and explain why “has run” is the correct choice over “has ran.” No more confusion about how to use irregular verbs—you’ll leave with a solid grasp on how to use them with confidence.
In this article, we will explore the correct usage of “has run” and explain why “has ran” is not considered grammatically correct. We will cover the rules of conjugation for the verb “run,” clarify common mistakes, and provide examples to help you understand when and why “has run” is the proper form. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone eager to refine their English, you’ll find valuable insights here.
Overview
When dealing with the present perfect tense, it’s important to know that the correct form of the verb “run” is “has run” and not “has ran.” Many English learners and even native speakers often mix up these two, but the difference lies in the structure of the verb conjugation. The verb “run” is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow the standard pattern of adding -ed for its past forms.
The present perfect tense is formed using the auxiliary verb “has” (for singular subjects) and the past participle of the main verb. The past participle of “run” is “run,” not “ran,” making “has run” the grammatically correct choice.
Grammar Rules for ‘Has Run’
To understand why “has run” is the correct form, let’s first review the rules for present perfect tense. The present perfect tense describes an action that happened at an unspecified time before now.
It is formed by combining the auxiliary verb “has” or “have” (depending on the subject) with the past participle of the main verb. In the case of “run,” the past participle is “run”.
For example:
- Correct Example: She has run several marathons.
- Incorrect Example: She has ran several marathons.
Notice that the verb “run” in the past participle form doesn’t change, even though the past simple form of the verb is “ran.”
This can be a confusing concept for learners, as many irregular verbs have different forms for past tense and past participle (like “go” and “gone”). In the case of “run,” however, both the base form and past participle are “run”.
Practical Examples of ‘Has Run’ in Sentences
Let’s explore a few examples that demonstrate the correct use of “has run” in sentences. Using “has run” is essential in forming the present perfect tense. Here are a few examples with scenarios:
- She has run several marathons.
- Scenario: Sarah is an experienced marathon runner who has participated in multiple races over the years. We don’t know exactly when, but it’s implied that she has run a number of marathons up to the present.
- He has run into some problems.
- Scenario: John was working on a project and encountered unexpected challenges. In this case, the phrase “has run into” means he experienced or faced those problems.
- They have run the business successfully for over 20 years.
- Scenario: Two entrepreneurs have been managing a small business for two decades, and they continue to do so. The use of “has run” indicates that the action (running the business) started in the past and continues up until now.
“Each example above uses ‘has run’ to indicate an action that someone completed at an unspecified time or that started in the past and continues into the present.”
Common sentences
- She has run five miles today, and now she’s taking a break.
- The company has run several successful marketing campaigns this year.
- He has run out of time to complete the project, so he needs an extension.
- The train has run on time every day this week.
- By the time we arrived, the meeting has run for over an hour.
- She has run multiple marathons, but she says the last one was the toughest.
- The clock has run for more than two hours without stopping.
- The business has run smoothly since the new management took over.
- It has run long past midnight, and we should head home.
- This event has run longer than expected, but everyone is enjoying it.
Common Misuse: Why ‘Has Ran’ is Incorrect
While “has ran” may sound correct to some speakers, it’s actually a grammatical mistake. The past tense of “run” is “ran,” but “ran” is never used with “has” or “have.” The correct form of the verb to use in the present perfect tense is the past participle form, which for “run” is “run”.
Example of incorrect usage:
- Incorrect: She has ran three miles.
- Correct: She has run three miles.
This error typically occurs because people associate the word “ran” with the past tense of the verb. However, the past participle (used with has or have) is “run” in this case.
Conjugating ‘Run’: Past, Present, and Perfect Tenses
The verb “run” is an irregular verb, meaning it doesn’t follow the standard rule of adding -ed for past forms. Instead, it changes form depending on the tense. Here’s a quick breakdown of how “run” conjugates in the most common tenses:
- Base Form (Present): run
- Example: I run every morning.
- Past Simple: ran
- Example: I ran yesterday.
- Present Perfect: has/have run
- Example: She has run every day this week.
As you can see, “has run” is used in the present perfect tense, while “ran” is used in the simple past tense.
“Have Come vs Have Came” Clarifying Past Tense Usage
Distinguishing Between ‘Ran’ and ‘Run’
Understanding when to use “ran” versus “run” is key to mastering verb tenses. Here’s the distinction:
- “Ran” is the past simple form, used to describe actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
- Example: I ran to the store yesterday.
- “Run” is the past participle form, used with auxiliary verbs like “has” or “have” to indicate an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past or an action that started in the past and is still relevant now.
- Example: She has run 10 kilometers today.
| Form | Usage | Example | Tense |
| Run (Base Form) | Used for present and past participle, after auxiliary verbs like ‘has’ or ‘have’ | “She has run a marathon.” | Present and Past Participle |
| Ran (Past Tense) | Used in the simple past tense to describe an action that occurred at a specific time in the past | “He ran to the store yesterday.” | Past Simple |
Using ‘Run’ in Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past, or actions that began in the past and are still continuing. The past participle of “run” is “run”, so you should always say “has run” or “have run” with the present perfect.
- Correct: They have run the program for years.
- Incorrect: They have ran the program for years.
The present perfect tense connects past actions to the present, and “run” as the past participle keeps the sentence grammatically accurate.
Imbed vs Embed I Understanding the Correct Terminology
Real-World Usage: Analyzing ‘Has Run’ and ‘Has Ran’ in Literature
To better understand how real-world contexts use “has run” and “has ran,” let’s explore examples in literature and popular writing. These examples will not only showcase correct usage but also highlight how verb choice can impact the meaning and tone of a sentence.
1. Correct Usage in Literature: “Has Run”
Example: “She has run across this path many times, but today was different.”
Analysis: In this sentence, the present perfect tense (“has run”) indicates that the action (running across the path) occurred at unspecified times in the past and continues to have relevance to the present moment. The speaker is reflecting on repeated actions with a focus on how things have changed recently, which is why “has run” is used correctly.
Why it Works:
The sentence reflects the idea that the action (running across the path) has occurred multiple times over an extended period, and it’s important to note that this experience continues to impact the present situation.
2. Using ‘Has Run’ to Connect Past and Present
Example: “He has run many experiments over the years, but none have yielded positive results.”
Analysis: The phrase “has run” helps connect the past (experiments conducted) with the present, implying that the experiments are ongoing or relevant to the present. The present perfect tense conveys that this activity has been happening over a period of time, but it is still affecting the current state of affairs.
Why it Works:
The use of “has run” creates a sense of continuity and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action, which is perfect for this context where the focus is on repeated actions across time.
3. Incorrect Usage in Literature: “Has Ran”
Example: “She has ran through the forest all night, trying to escape.”
Analysis: While this sentence may sound natural in everyday speech, the correct grammatical form in this context should be “has run” because we are using the present perfect tense. “The verb ‘ran’ is the past simple form, but for the present perfect, we use its past participle, ‘run.'”
Why it’s Incorrect:
In this case, the error occurs because “has ran” wrongly uses the past tense form of the verb, instead of the past participle, which is required in the present perfect structure.
4. Correct Usage in Literature: “Has Run” for Emphasis
Example: “The story has run its course, and now it’s time for a new chapter.”
Analysis: In this example, “has run” conveys that the story has completed its full cycle, and its relevance or significance is now over. The phrase “has run its course” is a common idiomatic expression that means something has reached its end or is no longer important. The use of “has run” is grammatically correct, and the expression adds a layer of meaning to the sentence.
Why it Works:
The present perfect tense emphasizes that the action of the story has already occurred and has now ended, giving the sentence a sense of closure. It effectively connects the past action with the present conclusion.
5. The Misuse of “Has Ran” in a Literary Style
Example: “He has ran across the room to catch the bus.”
Analysis: Here, the writer should use “has run” instead of “has ran.” This is another common mistake where people confuse the past tense of the verb (ran) with the past participle (run) needed for the present perfect tense. The correct sentence should be: “He has run across the room to catch the bus.”
Why it’s Incorrect:
“This mistake occurs because writers use ‘ran’ inappropriately as a past participle, even though it should only be used in the past simple form when no auxiliary verb like ‘has’ is present.”
The Impact of Incorrect Verb Usage on Communication
Using incorrect verb forms, such as “has ran”, can confuse listeners or readers. Incorrect grammar can make your communication sound unprofessional or unclear. This is especially important in academic or business contexts, where precision and clarity are crucial.
A simple mistake like using “has ran” instead of “has run” could undermine your credibility, even if the rest of your sentence is perfectly structured.
Choosing the Right Word to Convey Clarity
When you use the correct form—“has run”—you are conveying a clear and grammatically correct message. To avoid confusion and sound more fluent in English, it’s important to practice the correct verb forms and understand their uses in different tenses.
Language Evolution: Why ‘Has Ran’ Persists Despite Being Wrong
Despite “has ran” being grammatically incorrect, some people continue to use it, especially in casual speech. This persistence could be due to regional dialects or habits. Over time, people may mistakenly think that “ran” works as the past participle of “run” because they commonly use it as the past tense form.
However, as the rules of English grammar evolve, it’s important to stick to standard usage for clear and accurate communication.
Tips to Remember the Correct Form: ‘Has Run’
- Understand the Present Perfect Tense: The present perfect tense always requires the past participle form of the verb. For “run,” the past participle is “run,” not “ran.”
- Memorize Irregular Verbs: Unlike regular verbs, which form the past participle by adding -ed, irregular verbs like “run” do not follow this pattern. “Run” stays the same in the past participle form.
- “The auxiliary verbs ‘has’ or ‘have’ form the present perfect tense, followed by the past participle.”. For singular subjects (he, she, it), use “has run.”
- Practice with Simple Sentences: Start by practicing with easy sentences. Example: “She has run every day this week.”
- Avoid Confusing “Ran” with “Run”: “Ran” is the past tense of “run,” not the past participle. Always use “run” when paired with “has” or “have.”
- Think of Examples from Everyday Life: Imagine someone telling you, “He has run a marathon.” It’s clear that the action happened, but the exact time isn’t specified.
- Use Rhymes or Mnemonics: Create a simple rhyme or mnemonic to remember the forms of the verb. For example: “Run, ran, run again” to recall the verb’s forms.
- Think of Other Irregular Verbs: Just like “run,” other irregular verbs such as “go” (gone) and “eat” (eaten) follow the same pattern of having unique past participles. This will help reinforce the idea.
- Remember Common Errors: Be aware that many people make the mistake of saying “has ran” due to confusion with “ran” being a past tense form. Correct this by consistently using “has run.”
- Focus on the Meaning: The present perfect tense links the past with the present, and you use “has run” to show that something started in the past but has relevance now.
- Keep Practicing the Correct Form: The more you use “has run” in your speech and writing, the easier it will become to remember. Practice makes perfect!
- Identify Patterns in Other Verbs: When you learn an irregular verb like “run,” recognize that many irregular verbs share the same structure, which helps solidify your understanding of verb forms.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the verb in different tenses. Write “run” on one side and “ran” and “has run” on the other. This will help you see the correct form in context.
- Think of Timeframes: Use “has run” when referring to an action that has happened at an unspecified time or started in the past and is still relevant now. Example: “She has run five miles this morning.”
- Don’t Overthink It: The more you overthink it, the more confusing it becomes. Trust your knowledge, and if you’re unsure, remember that “has run” is almost always correct for the present perfect tense.
Key Insight
Is “has ran” ever correct?
No, “has ran” is not grammatically correct. The correct form is “has run.”
What is the past participle of “run”?
Why is “has ran” incorrect?
“Has ran” is incorrect because “ran” is the past simple form, not the past participle form. “The word ‘run’ is the past participle.”
Can I use “has run” for both singular and plural subjects?
“Yes, you can use ‘has run’ for singular subjects, but for plural subjects, you use ‘have run.'”
What’s the difference between “ran” and “run”?
“Ran” is the past tense, while “run” serves as the past participle and is used with “has” or “have” in the present perfect tense.
Wrap-Up
Mastering the correct usage of “has run” and understanding why “has ran” is incorrect is essential for clear communication in English. By remembering that “run” is the past participle of the verb and using it with “has” or “have,” you can ensure your sentences are grammatically accurate.
Practice using the present perfect tense and avoid the mistake of using “has ran.” Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll soon speak and write more confidently, knowing that you’re using the correct verb forms every time!
Hi! I’m Zadie-Smith, the author of Grammar Glides. I create easy-to-follow resources to help you master English grammar with confidence. Join me on my website for tips and tools to make your English learning journey smooth and enjoyable!
