Grammar fix
run up against
encounter (unexpected) difficulty or opposition
to suddenly face a problem, difficulty, or resistance, especially when you did not expect it.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- We ran up against several unexpected issues when launching the new software.work
- In my experience, students often run up against difficulties when adapting to a new education system, especially if the teaching style is very different from what they're used to.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: run up against + noun (problem/difficulty/opposition/challenge)
WrongWe ran up against with a few problems.
RightWe ran up against a few problems.
'Run up against' takes the object directly — no 'with'.
Patternrun up against + noun (problem/difficulty/opposition/challenge)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Run up against' is the natural verb for hitting unexpected resistance; 'encountered considerable opposition' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
run up against + obstacleoppositiona problemresistancea deadline
Don't confuse it
Unlike the literal sense of 'run up' (e.g., to run up a hill), this sense is figurative and means to encounter a problem or obstacle, not to physically run anywhere.