be fled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fled" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is the past tense passive form of the verb "flee," meaning to run away or escape. Example: The thief had to be quick or he would be fled by the time the police arrived. In this sentence, "be fled" is used to indicate that the thief may have already run away before the police could catch him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Unlike other new religious movements in America at the time, which were "warning congregants of the evils rooted in urban cities", Smith believed that "cities were not to be fled, but sacralised," writes Park.

The Guardian

If their characters are pricked by a helpless urge to travel — down a rabbit hole, to sea in a sieve, second star to the right and straight on till morning — it is because there is always something, a drab existence or a dreadful past, that begs to be fled.

The New Yorker

If their characters are pricked by a helpless urge to travel down a rabbit hole, to sea in a sieve, second star to the right and straight on till morning—it is because there is always something, a drab existence or a dreadful past, that begs to be fled.

The New Yorker

Avicenna had argued in his On the Soul (the De anima part of The Healing I.5 and IV.3) that human beings and animals share an internal sense called estimation (wahm, aestimatio), which perceives so-called "intentions" (ma'ânî, intentiones) in an object, such as hostility and friendliness: The sheep perceives hostility in the wolf and judges that the wolf is to be fled from.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The masses soon will be fleeing.

Forbes

Marriages are fled more easily.

The New York Times

— They were fleeing arrest.

The New York Times

Some are fleeing.

The Economist

We are fleeing that.

Independent

Many civilians were fleeing.

The New York Times

Everyone is fleeing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be fled" sparingly and consider the context. While grammatically correct, it can sound archaic or overly formal in contemporary writing. Choose more common alternatives like "be escaped" or "be avoided" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be fled" when an active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The city was be fled by its inhabitants", a clearer sentence would be "The inhabitants fled the city."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fled" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is being escaped or avoided. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct, although it may sound somewhat archaic in modern English. The examples show its use in describing situations where people or things are escaping undesirable circumstances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be fled" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase that describes something being escaped or avoided. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's worth noting that its usage is relatively rare in contemporary English. The phrase tends to appear in more formal contexts, such as news reports or academic analyses, describing scenarios where escape or avoidance is a key element. Alternatives like "be escaped" or "be avoided" are often clearer and more common choices for modern writing. When using "be fled", consider whether the passive voice and somewhat archaic tone are appropriate for your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be escaped

Emphasizes the action of successfully getting away from something; less formal.

be avoided

Focuses on preventing something from happening or encountering something unwanted.

be run from

Highlights the act of running as a means of escape; more direct and less formal.

be steered clear of

Implies a deliberate effort to avoid something, often a potential problem.

be evaded

Suggests skillful or strategic avoidance; often used in legal or tactical contexts.

be shunned

Indicates a deliberate act of rejection or avoidance by others.

be dodged

Implies a quick or nimble movement to avoid something.

be circumvented

Suggests finding a way around an obstacle or problem.

be eluded

Focuses on escaping detection or capture.

be given a wide berth

Means to keep a safe distance from something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "be fled" in a sentence?

You can use "be fled" in passive constructions to describe something that is being escaped. For example, "The approaching storm meant the coast needed to "be evacuated" and the area needed to be fled".

What are some alternatives to "be fled"?

Alternatives to "be fled" include "be escaped", "be avoided", or "be run from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be fled" formal or informal?

"Be fled" leans towards the more formal side. In most modern contexts, it's generally more suitable to use alternatives like "be escaped" or "be avoided" for a more contemporary tone.

What's the difference between "be fled" and "flee"?

"Be fled" is a passive construction, indicating something is being escaped. "Flee", on the other hand, is an active verb, meaning to run away from something. For example, "The city was be fled" (passive) versus "The people fled the city" (active).