run through — pervade or characterize
To be present in or characteristic of every part of something, especially in a way that is abstract, such as an idea, feeling, or quality that influences or defines the whole.
Say it like a native
Textbook A sense of unease permeates the entire narrative.
Native A sense of unease runs through the whole book.
'Run through' naturally describes a theme present throughout; 'permeate the narrative' is heavily literary.
Pattern: run through something (abstract subject)
In use
- A sense of optimism runs through the entire report, despite the challenges outlined.figurative
- A recurring theme of resilience runs through much of the literature produced during times of crisis, reflecting the collective mindset of the era.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The same theme runs across the novel.
✓ The same theme runs through the novel.
A theme 'runs THROUGH' something — not 'across'.
Common collocations
run through + whole— the book, her work, the speech, everything
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense ('practice or rehearse') and the B2 sense ('use up quickly'), this C2 sense is figurative and refers to an abstract quality, idea, or theme that is present throughout something, such as a report, a conversation, or a culture.
Related
- run through (practice or rehearse) — 'run through' also has the more basic meaning 'practice or rehearse'; this is the advanced sense.