“Has Run is the correct form in grammar, as ran is the simple past tense, while run is the past participle used with has or have.”
Understanding the correct use of verb tenses is essential for clear and effective communication, and one common point of confusion arises with the phrase “has run” vs. “has ran.” While both forms may seem similar, there is a significant grammatical difference between them. “Has run” is the correct form, but many people mistakenly use “has ran.”
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two phrases, explain when and why “has run” is the correct choice, and provide helpful tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re writing formally or casually, mastering this aspect of grammar will improve the clarity of your communication.
If you’ve ever found yourself confused about whether to use “has run” or “has ran”, you’re not alone. The difference is a common grammatical pitfall, but with a little understanding of verb tense rules, you can confidently use the correct form. This guide will break down the concepts step-by-step, so you can easily remember when to use “has run” in your writing and speaking.
In this blog, we will delve into the rules of Present Perfect Tense and provide real-world examples to illustrate how “has run” should be used. You’ll also learn why “has ran” is incorrect, and why it’s important to avoid using it. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of these verb forms and be able to use them confidently in your daily communication.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specific usage of “has run” and “has ran,” it’s important to understand the basics of the verb run and the role of verb tenses in English grammar. “Run” is an irregular verb, which means its conjugation doesn’t follow the usual patterns. The correct form depends on the tense you are using.
Present Perfect Tense: The Correct Use of ‘Has Run’
The Present Perfect Tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and are still relevant or have an effect on the present. This tense uses the auxiliary verb “has” or “have” followed by the past participle form of the verb. For run, the past participle is “run”—not “ran.”
Examples:
- “She has run five miles today.”
- “He has run in the race before.”
- “They have run a successful business for years.”
Grammar Rules for ‘Has Run’
The correct form “has run” is used when the subject is singular and the action has occurred at some point in the past, but it is still relevant to the present. Remember that “has” is used with singular subjects like he, she, or it.
Examples:
- “She has run the marathon multiple times.”
- “It has run its course.”
- “He has run a lot of errands today.”
Practical Examples of ‘Has Run’ in Sentences
To truly understand how to use “has run”, it’s helpful to look at it in context. Here are some practical examples of “has run” used correctly:
Examples:
- “John has run several successful campaigns.”
- “The train has run late for two hours now.”
- “The business has run into some financial difficulties recently.”
By now, you should see that “has run” is used when referring to actions that started in the past but are still important in the present.
Shown vs Showed Choosing the Right Past Tense
Common Misuse: Why ‘Has Ran’ is Incorrect
The incorrect form “has ran” is a common mistake many people make. This form doesn’t follow the rules of Present Perfect Tense because “ran” is the simple past form of the verb run, not the past participle. Using “has ran” disrupts the grammatical structure.
Conjugating ‘Run’: Past, Present, and Perfect Tenses
To understand why “has ran” is incorrect, we need to review the conjugation of run in different tenses. The verb run is irregular, which means its conjugation does not follow typical patterns.
Examples:
- Present Tense: “I run every morning.”
- Past Tense: “He ran yesterday.”
- Present Perfect Tense: “She has run the race.”
Distinguishing Between ‘Ran’ and ‘Run’
It’s important to know the difference between ran and run:
- Ran is the simple past form of the verb and is used when describing an action that happened at a specific time in the past.
- Run is the past participle and is used with has or have in the present perfect tense.
Examples:
- “She ran to the store yesterday.” (simple past)
- “He has run that route before.” (present perfect)
- “They have run their business for 10 years.” (present perfect)
Using ‘Run’ in Present Perfect Tense
The Present Perfect Tense always uses the past participle form of the verb. Run is the correct past participle for run, and ran should not be used with has or have.
Examples:
- “She has run a successful company.”
- “They have run into trouble with their project.”
- “We have run out of time.”
Real-World Usage: Analyzing ‘Has Run’ and ‘Has Ran’ in Literature
While “has ran” is technically incorrect, it is still used occasionally in literature or colloquial speech, especially in dialects or informal settings. However, in formal writing, “has run” is always the correct choice.
Examples:
- Correct: “The marathon has run its course.”
- Incorrect: “The marathon has ran its course.”
The Impact of Incorrect Verb Usage on Communication
Using “has ran” instead of “has run” can lead to confusion and can weaken the clarity of your message. Incorrect verb forms can distract the reader or listener and detract from the effectiveness of your communication.
Choosing the Right Word to Convey Clarity
By using “has run” correctly, you ensure your sentences are clear and grammatically accurate. In contrast, using “has ran” may confuse your audience or make your writing seem less polished.
Examples:
- Correct: “She has run the race many times.”
- Incorrect: “She has ran the race many times.”
Language Evolution: Why ‘Has Ran’ Persists Despite Being Wrong
Despite being grammatically incorrect, “has ran” persists in spoken English, particularly in casual conversations. This usage likely arose from confusion with the simpler past tense form “ran”, but it’s important to remember that it’s not grammatically correct in the Present Perfect Tense.
Examples:
- “He has ran the marathon three times.” (Incorrect)
- “He has run the marathon three times.” (Correct)
- “She has ran many marathons.” (Incorrect)
Tips to Remember the Correct Form: ‘Has Run’
To avoid mistakes with “has run” and “has ran”, here are a few tips:
- Remember the Past Participle: The correct past participle of run is “run” (not “ran”).
- Use ‘Has’ for Singular Subjects: Always pair “has” with “run” in the Present Perfect Tense.
- Practice with Real Examples: Incorporate “has run” into sentences to reinforce the correct form.
Examples:
- “She has run the race.”
- “We have run out of time.”
- “He has run a successful business for years.”
Key Insight
1. Is “has ran” ever correct?
No, “has ran” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is “has run.”
2. Why is “has run” correct?
“Has run” is the proper form because run is the past participle used with has in the Present Perfect Tense.
3. Can I use “ran” with “has”?
No, “ran” is the simple past form and should not be used with “has.” Always use “run” in Present Perfect Tense.
4. How can I avoid the mistake of using “has ran”?
Remember that the past participle of run is run, not ran, and practice using it in sentences.
5. When do I use “has run”?
Use “has run” to describe an action completed in the past but relevant to the present, with singular subjects.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct form to use in the Present Perfect Tense is “has run”, not “has ran”. While “has ran” is a common mistake, understanding the difference between run (the past participle) and ran (the simple past) will help you communicate more clearly.
Always remember to use “has run” with singular subjects in the Present Perfect Tense to maintain grammatical accuracy. Mastering these verb forms will improve your writing and ensure your communication is clear and effective.

I’m Jane Austen, a language expert at Minglishs, dedicated to helping learners master English through engaging and accessible content. My passion for literature and teaching drives me to make language learning both enjoyable and effective.