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Grammar fix

run for office

seek election

to try to get an official position by competing in an election.

collocationB2occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: run for office

WrongHe's running to mayor.

RightHe's running for mayor. / ...for office.

'Run FOR' a position — not 'to'.

Patternrun for office

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She intends to stand as a candidate for public office.

Natural She's running for office.

'Run for office' is the natural AmE phrase; 'stand as a candidate for public office' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • run for + position
    officepresidentmayora seat

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'hold office,' which means actually having the position, not trying to get it.

Try it in Daily Speak →