run for office — seek election
collocationB2IELTS 6+neutraloccasional
to try to get an official position by competing in an election.
Say it like a native
Textbook She intends to stand as a candidate for public office.
Native She's running for office.
'Run for office' is the natural AmE phrase; 'stand as a candidate for public office' is formal.
Pattern: run for office
In use
- After years of volunteering in her community, Maria decided to run for office.society
- If I had the chance, I would run for office to help improve education in my city.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He's running to mayor.
✓ He's running for mayor. / ...for office.
'Run FOR' a position — not 'to'.
Common collocations
run for + position— office, president, mayor, a seat
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'hold office,' which means actually having the position, not trying to get it.