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 usage check
Choose the sentence that accurately describes an informal review.
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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."
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Start the "Run Something By" learning path →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?"
Ask for a quick reaction
With a noun object, place it between "run" and "by" or "past."
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