attempt to escape

USAGE SUMMARY

"attempt to escape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone is trying to get away from something, or from an unpleasant or dangerous situation. For example, "After seeing the gunman, she attempted to escape the building as quickly as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a desperate attempt to escape alienation.

The New York Times

Henry's attempt to escape by jumping into the Rhine failed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an attempt to escape from the road map".

The New York Times

"For many, it is an attempt to escape from loneliness.

The Guardian

They did not, however, target staff or attempt to escape.

The Guardian

I think I am driven by an attempt to escape middle age and recapture my youth.

Independent

Bennell and Driscoll attempt to escape the pod people and warn the rest of humanity.

Independent

The next day the two attempt to escape down the mountainside, but Blofeld initiates an avalanche.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She moved apartments in a naïve attempt to escape the secret police.

The New York Times

And if she has made an attempt to escape Madonna's shadow it is impossible to discern.

The New Yorker

When pursued, pacas attempt to escape by heading for water, as they are good swimmers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attempt to escape" when you want to emphasize the effort or intention behind trying to get away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. For instance, "The prisoner made an attempt to escape the maximum-security facility."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "attempt". It is more appropriate to say "attempt to escape" rather than "attempt for escaping" or "attempt at escape". The infinitive form 'to escape' is the standard construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to escape" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempt to escape" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of trying to get away from a dangerous, unpleasant, or restrictive situation. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. As demonstrated by examples, it frequently appears in news reports, encyclopedic entries, and scientific discussions. While various alternative phrases exist, such as "try to get away" or "seek to flee", "attempt to escape" provides a formal and direct way to convey the intention behind the action of escaping. Remember to use the correct preposition and avoid confusing it with the noun phrase "escape attempt". The prevalence across diverse sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to get away

Focuses on the physical act of moving away from a location or situation.

seek to flee

Emphasizes the desire and effort to escape, often from danger or confinement.

make an effort to break free

Highlights the struggle and exertion involved in escaping a restrictive situation.

aim to evade

Implies a strategy or plan to avoid capture or confrontation.

endeavor to abscond

Suggests a secretive and hurried departure, often to avoid legal consequences.

strive to liberate oneself

Focuses on the act of freeing oneself from oppression or control.

undertake an escape

Formal way to describe starting to perform the activity of escaping

take flight

Suggests a sudden and rapid departure, often driven by fear or panic.

make a getaway

Implies a quick and often illicit departure, typically after committing a crime.

dodge

Short and informal way to describe avoiding something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "attempt to escape" in a sentence?

Use "attempt to escape" when describing someone's effort to get away from a dangerous or undesirable situation. For example, "The hostages made an attempt to escape their captors".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to escape"?

You can use alternatives like "try to get away", "seek to flee", or "make an effort to break free", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "attempt to escape" or "try to escape"?

"Attempt to escape" is more formal and emphasizes the deliberate effort, while "try to escape" is more casual. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "attempt to escape" and "escape attempt"?

"Attempt to escape" describes the action of trying to get away, whereas "escape attempt" is a noun phrase referring to the instance or event of trying to escape. For example, "His attempt to escape failed" vs. "His escape attempt failed".