run
/rʌn/ UK /rʌn/ · US /rʌn/
A short u CVC word (ʌ) in the actions category. It belongs to the -un word family.
actionsHear run
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “run”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /r/ – /ʌ/ – /n/ → run.
Example Sentences with Run
- Run fast.
- Go for a run.
- Run to the tree.
- The dog runs in the park.
- She can run very fast.
How to Spell “run”
Children most often write this word as runn, run, rul. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- Short u /ʌ/ — say "ruh-n", not "roo-n".
- Double consonants are only needed when the vowel is short and closed by them, so one "n" is enough.
- Practise "run, sun, fun, bun" as a set.
Phonics Tip for Run
Compare "run" and "ran" — the vowel changes from /ʌ/ to /æ/. This is a past-tense pattern worth teaching alongside the CVC pattern.
Fun Facts About Run
Humans evolved to run. Long-distance running is a uniquely human achievement — no other animal can keep pace with a human over more than a few kilometres, which is why "running out of breath" is such a universal human experience.
More Words in the -un Family
Words that rhyme with run and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short u sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Run
- All short u CVC words — 47 words
- The -un word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets