Has Ran or Has Run: My 2025 + Examples

Grammar errors can sneak into writing when least expected, and one common mistake is the confusion between “has ran” and “has run.” If you’re unsure which phrase is correct, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or just someone trying to get their grammar right, understanding the difference between these two is crucial.

The confusion arises because “ran” and “run” are two different forms of the same verb, and each has its place depending on the tense you’re using. The term “has ran or has run” might seem simple, but when you know how to use them correctly, it can make your writing sound far more professional and polished.

In this article, we will compare “has ran” and “has run” to help you understand the present perfect tense, and provide you with real examples to guide your writing. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use “has run” and why “has ran” is a common mistake to avoid.

Let’s dive into the differences between run vs ran and has run vs has ran, and help you use them like a grammar pro.

Definitions and Usage

What is the Correct Form: Has Ran or Has Run?

When you are working with the verb “run” in the present perfect tense, the correct form is always “has run.” It’s important to recognize that the word “ran” is the simple past form, while “run” is the past participle.

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue or have relevance in the present. When using “has run”, you are indicating that something was completed recently, or that the effect of the action is still felt.

For example:

• Correct: “She has run five miles today.”
• Incorrect: “She has ran five miles today.”

Why does “has run” sound right? Because “run” is the past participle form, which pairs with auxiliary verbs like “has” or “have.”

Has Ran or Has Run Grammar

The reason “run” is the correct past participle of the verb “run” lies in its unique irregular conjugation. Unlike regular verbs, which follow a predictable pattern (like “talk” → “talked”), “run” changes forms in unexpected ways:

• Present: run
• Past: ran
• Past participle: run

In the present perfect tense, we use the auxiliary verb “has” (for third-person singular) or “have” (for plural subjects or “I/you”) followed by the past participle. This tense connects an action in the past with its relevance to the present. So, we say:

• “She has run a marathon.”

On the other hand, “has ran” is incorrect because “ran” is the simple past form of the verb, not the past participle. The present perfect tense demands the use of the past participle (“run”), not the past tense (“ran”). Therefore, you should always use “has run” and avoid “has ran” to maintain grammatical accuracy.

When is “Has Ran” Incorrect?

You may have heard someone say “has ran”, but this form is always incorrect when you are using the present perfect tense. The reason “has ran” is wrong is because “ran” is the simple past tense of “run.” It doesn’t pair correctly with “has”, which requires the past participle form.

Here’s a rule of thumb: “Has” should always be followed by the past participle of the verb. In this case, “run” is the correct past participle, while “ran” is the past tense form. This is where understanding ran vs run becomes crucial—knowing which form to use in different tenses will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your writing is grammatically sound.

For example:

• Incorrect: “He has ran to the store.”
• Correct: “He has run to the store.”

Importance of Proper Verb Tense in Writing

Verb tense plays a crucial role in shaping the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing. When used correctly, verb tenses help convey the right timing of actions, whether they’re happening in the past, present, or future. This allows readers to easily follow your thoughts and understand the sequence of events.

Incorrect verb tenses, like “has ran”, can disrupt this flow and make your writing appear unpolished. For example, mixing up “has ran” (which is grammatically incorrect) with “has run” can confuse your audience and distract from your message. Such mistakes can give the impression that you haven’t paid attention to detail, which may lead to a lack of credibility, especially in professional or academic contexts.

Even small grammar mistakes can have a big impact on readability. When your sentences are filled with incorrect verb forms, like “has ran” instead of “has run,” readers might struggle to understand the meaning or intent behind your words. This can undermine your writing’s effectiveness, making it harder for you to connect with your audience. Paying attention to these small details is key to maintaining clarity and demonstrating your proficiency in the language. Proper verb tense usage shows that you care about the quality of your communication.

Synonyms for ‘Run’ and ‘Ran’

Synonyms for ‘Run’:

1. Jog
2. Sprint
3. Dash
4. Race
5. Gallop
6. Rush
7. Hurry
8. Scurry
9. Speed
10. Zoom

Ran Synonyms:

1. Jogged
2. Raced
3. Sprint
4. Dashed
5. Galloped
6. Hurried
7. Rush
8. Scurried
9. Fled
10. Darted

Comparison Table: Has Ran or Has Run

Aspect	Has Ran	Has Run
Verb Form	Incorrect (simple past)	Correct (past participle)
Grammatical Role	Past simple tense	Present perfect tense
Example Sentence	“She has ran the race twice.”	“She has run the race twice.”
Common Mistakes	Using “ran” in the present perfect	Correct verb form usage in present perfect
Usage Context	Past action (not relevant to present)	Describes actions that are relevant now or recently completed

When to Use Each Term

Knowing when to use “has run or has ran” depends on the grammatical tense you’re aiming for. The key distinction lies in the verb tenses you use.

Use “Has Run” When:

• Referring to an action that started in the past and continues to the present.
• Describing an action that occurred at an unspecified time but is relevant to the present.
• Following “has” (third person singular) or “have” (with plural subjects or “I/you”).

Examples:

• “He has run across the country.”
• “They have run the test successfully.”

Avoid “Has Ran” When:

• “Has ran” is incorrect for the present perfect tense.
• Instead, always use “has run” to maintain correct grammar.

Everyday Usage Has Ran or Has Run Examples

To solidify your understanding of “has run” vs. “has ran”, here are some everyday examples:

1. Correct: “She has run the marathon three times.”
2. Incorrect: “She has ran the marathon three times.”
3. Correct: “The car has run out of gas.”
4. Incorrect: “The car has ran out of gas.”

Understanding Verb Tenses and Their Application

As we’ve seen, “run” is an irregular verb, which means it doesn’t follow the usual patterns of conjugation. The three main forms are:

• Present: “I run”
• Past: “I ran”
• Past Participle: “I have run”

Understanding how and when to use these forms can dramatically improve your writing, especially when discussing actions that span time. In the present perfect tense, the past participle form is essential.

Examples of Correct Usage of “Has Run”

Here are 10 real-life examples where “has run” is used correctly, demonstrating its versatility in both formal and informal contexts:

1. She has run the marathon every year for five years.
2. The project has run smoothly since the team adjusted the schedule.
3. He has run into several problems with his presentation.
4. The company has run multiple successful campaigns this quarter.
5. By the time we arrive, the meeting has run for over two hours.
6. The restaurant has run out of its special dessert for the evening.
7. The new software has run faster than expected during testing.
8. She has run her own business for more than a decade.
9. The event has run without any significant delays so far.
10. He has run the risk of missing the deadline with his current pace.

Examples of Incorrect Usage of “Has Ran”

1. She has ran the race twice. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: “Ran” is the simple past form, not the past participle. In the present perfect tense, we need the past participle “run”.
   Corrected: She has run the race twice.
2. He has ran into trouble with his proposal. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: The verb “has ran” is incorrect in the present perfect tense. The correct past participle is “run”.
   Corrected: He has run into trouble with his proposal.
3. They have ran out of time to finish the project. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: “Ran” should be replaced with the past participle “run” to correctly form the present perfect tense.
   Corrected: They have run out of time to finish the project.
4. She has ran five miles today. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: The correct past participle form is “run”, not “ran.”
   Corrected: She has run five miles today.
5. I have ran across an interesting article. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: The present perfect tense requires the past participle “run”, not “ran.”
   Corrected: I have run across an interesting article.
6. We have ran several tests on the new product. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: The past participle “run” should be used instead of “ran.”
   Corrected: We have run several tests on the new product.
7. He has ran his business successfully for years. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: “Ran” is the simple past, and the present perfect tense requires the past participle “run.”
   Corrected: He has run his business successfully for years.
8. They have ran all the errands for the day. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: Use the past participle “run” after “have” to form the present perfect tense.
   Corrected: They have run all the errands for the day.
9. The meeting has ran longer than expected. (Incorrect)
   Why it’s wrong: The past participle form “run” is needed after “has”.
   Corrected: The meeting has run longer than expected.
10. She has ran her last race for the season. (Incorrect)
    Why it’s wrong: “Ran” should be replaced by the past participle “run” in the present perfect tense.
    Corrected: She has run her last race for the season.

What About Other Forms: “Had Run” and “Have Run”?

Understanding the differences between verb forms like “had run” and “have run” is essential for mastering English tenses. While both refer to the action of running, they are used in different contexts to express different timeframes.

1. “Had Run” (Past Perfect) vs “Has Run” (Present Perfect)

The main difference between “had run” and “has run” is the tense they belong to and the timeline of actions they describe.

• “Had Run” is the past perfect tense, which is used to describe an action that was completed before another action or event in the past. The past perfect is typically used in more complex sentences, where there is a need to show a sequence of events in the past. Example:
  • By the time we arrived, she had run to the store already.
  • Here, “had run” indicates that the running occurred before the arrival.
• “Has Run” is the present perfect tense, which connects a past action with the present. It’s used to describe actions that started in the past and have relevance or effects on the present. Example:
  • She has run five miles today.
  • Here, “has run” suggests that the action of running is relevant to the present moment—it was completed recently, and its impact is still felt now.

2. “Have Run” in the First Person and Plural Subjects

The form “have run” is used in the present perfect tense with first-person subjects (I, we) and plural subjects (they, we). It’s essentially the plural counterpart to “has run,” which is used with singular third-person subjects (he, she, it).

• “I have run”: When speaking from the first-person perspective.
  Example: I have run the company for ten years.
• “We have run”: When referring to a group or collective action.
  Example: We have run several tests on the new system.
• “They have run”: When referring to third-person plural subjects.
  Example: They have run all the errands for the day.

The key thing to remember is that “have run” is used when the subject is I, we, or they (plural), while “has run” is used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it).

3. Commonly Misunderstood Phrases: “Had Ran Out” vs. “Had Run Out”

A common mistake involves confusing “had ran out” with the correct form, “had run out.”

• “Had Run Out” (Correct): This is the past perfect tense, used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past.
  Example: By the time we arrived, the store had run out of supplies.
  • Here, “had run out” suggests the supplies were already gone before the arrival.
• “Had Ran Out” (Incorrect): This uses “ran,” which is the simple past form, not the past participle. In the past perfect tense, you need the past participle “run.”
  • Incorrect: By the time we arrived, the store had ran out of supplies.
  • This sentence is grammatically incorrect because “had ran” should be replaced with “had run.”

Quick Recap:

• “Had Run” = Past perfect tense (action completed before another past event).
• “Has Run” = Present perfect tense (action completed recently with relevance to the present).
• “Have Run” = Present perfect tense for first-person or plural subjects.
• “Had Ran” = Incorrect—use “had run” instead.

Understanding the nuances between “had run” and “has run” will help improve your writing and communication skills, ensuring that you use the right verb tense for the right situation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. “Has ran” instead of “has run”: The most frequent error is using “ran” with “has”. The correct form is always “has run”.
2. Confusing verb tenses: It’s easy to mix up the past tense and past participle, especially with irregular verbs like “run.” Remember, “ran” is past tense, and “run” is past participle.
3. Overusing “have ran”: Similarly, “have run or have ran” is a common point of confusion. For the present perfect tense, “have run” is the correct form to use. Saying “have ran” is grammatically incorrect and can make your writing sound off. Stick to “have run” to keep your sentences accurate and clear.

Tips for Improving Verb Tense Accuracy in Writing

Verb tense consistency is crucial for clear and effective writing. Using the wrong verb tense, like “has ran” instead of “has run,” can confuse readers and undermine the clarity of your message. Here are some tips to help you improve verb tense accuracy:

Check for Verb Tense Consistency in Your Writing

One of the best ways to ensure your writing is grammatically correct is to check for tense consistency. Verb tenses should remain consistent unless there is a clear shift in time or context. Here’s how you can do that:

• Identify the Main Tense: Determine which tense you’re primarily using in the piece. Are you writing about past events? Is it in the present or future? Once you identify the tense, make sure you stick to it unless you’re shifting to describe a different time frame.
• Spot Tense Shifts: As you read through your work, pay attention to whether you unintentionally shift tenses. For instance, if you’re using the present perfect (e.g., “He has run five miles”), make sure you don’t switch to the past simple (e.g., “He ran five miles”) without a clear reason.
• Use Verb Conjugation Tables: Keep a table of common irregular verbs like “run,” “eat,” or “go” handy to make sure you’re using the correct form of each verb in the right context. For example, remember that “ran” is the past tense, and “run” is the past participle.

Simple Exercises to Help Distinguish Between Past and Present Perfect Tenses

Sometimes, distinguishing between the past tense and present perfect tense can be tricky. Here are a couple of exercises to help clarify when to use each:

• Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Create a list of sentences with missing verbs. Your task is to choose the correct form of the verb based on the context (either past tense or present perfect).
  Example:
  • By the time we got there, the store ______ (run) out of milk.
    Answer: had run (past perfect tense, showing action completed before another event).
• Tense Identification: Read a short paragraph or passage and identify the verb tenses. Afterward, write a sentence that changes one verb from the past tense to the present perfect tense or vice versa, depending on the context.
  Example:
  • I ______ (run) 5 miles today.
    Answer: have run (present perfect, because the action is relevant to the present moment).

Why Reading Your Writing Aloud Can Help Spot Errors like “Has Ran”

Sometimes, it’s easy to miss mistakes when you’re silently reading your writing. This is especially true for verb tense errors like using “has ran” instead of “has run”. Reading aloud can help you catch these mistakes for a few reasons:

• Hearing the Mistakes: When you read aloud, you are more likely to catch awkward phrasing or incorrect verb forms that don’t sound right. The sentence “He has ran out of time” might sound off when spoken aloud, prompting you to realize it should be “He has run out of time.”
• Engaging More Senses: Reading aloud engages both your eyes and ears, increasing your chances of identifying errors that are harder to spot when reading quietly.
• Pacing and Flow: Hearing your sentences helps you evaluate the overall flow and coherence of your writing. If a sentence feels jerky or doesn’t make sense when read aloud, there’s a good chance the verb tense is inconsistent or incorrect.

Additional Tips for Mastering Verb Tenses:

• Practice Regularly: Like any skill, mastering verb tenses takes practice. Try writing short paragraphs in both the past and present perfect tenses and compare them to see the difference.
• Use Grammar Tools: Leverage grammar checkers (like Grammarly or Hemingway) to spot potential verb tense errors. While these tools aren’t perfect, they can help you catch some common mistakes like “has ran” vs. “has run.”
• Get Feedback: Ask someone else to read your writing. A fresh set of eyes can often spot tense issues that you may have overlooked.

By practicing these tips and staying mindful of your verb tenses, you’ll improve your ability to use “has run” and other tenses correctly, making your writing clearer and more professional.

Bonus Section: Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll answer some common questions about verb tense usage, focusing on the differences between “has run” and “has ran”, as well as other frequently misunderstood verb forms.

Do You Say “Has Run Out” or “Has Ran Out”?

The correct form is “has run out.”

• Explanation: The verb “run” is the correct past participle, which is used after “has” in the present perfect tense. The form “ran” is the simple past tense, and it is incorrect to use it in the present perfect construction.
• Example:
  • Correct: The store has run out of milk.
  • Incorrect: The store has ran out of milk.

Is It “Has Run Away” or “Has Ran Away”?

The correct form is “has run away.”

• Explanation: When forming the present perfect tense, “run” (the past participle) should follow “has” (or “have”), not “ran” (the simple past tense).
• Example:
  • Correct: The dog has run away.
  • Incorrect: The dog has ran away.

Which Is Correct: “He Has Run” or “He Has Ran”?

The correct form is “he has run.”

• Explanation: In the present perfect tense, the past participle form “run” must be used after “has”. “Ran” is the simple past form, which is incorrect in this context.
• Example:
  • Correct: He has run the race three times.
  • Incorrect: He has ran the race three times.

What’s the Difference Between “Has Been Run” and “Has Been Ran”?

The correct form is “has been run.”

• Explanation: “Has been run” is the correct passive voice construction. In passive voice, the past participle “run” is used with “has been” to describe an action that has been completed by someone or something.
• Incorrect: “Has been ran” is grammatically incorrect because “ran” is the simple past form, not the past participle.
• Example:
  • Correct: The race has been run every year since 1990.
  • Incorrect: The race has been ran every year since 1990.

By addressing these common questions, you can avoid making mistakes with verb tenses like “has ran” and “has run” in your writing. Understanding the differences will help ensure your grammar is accurate and your writing is clear.

Conclusion: Mastering the Use of ‘Has Ran or Has Run’

In summary, the distinction between “has ran” and “has run” is crucial for clear, accurate writing. Understanding verb tenses and how they work with auxiliary verbs like “has” and “have” can save you from common grammar mistakes and help you communicate more effectively.

The key takeaway: “Has run” is always correct in the present perfect tense, and “has ran” should be avoided. Remember to apply the past participle form “run” when using “has” in your sentences.

By following the guidelines in this article and practicing with real-life examples, you’ll be on your way to perfecting your verb usage. Always double-check your writing to ensure it follows grammar rules for correct verb forms and tenses—whether it’s “run vs ran” or “has run vs has ran.”

Are you still unsure about other tricky grammar questions? Drop a comment below with your favorite examples or share this article with a friend who might be struggling with verb tenses!