eluded capture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eluded capture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something successfully avoids being caught or apprehended. Example: "The thief eluded capture for several days before the police finally caught up with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About 10 eluded capture.

The New York Times

Each Darth Vader eluded capture.

The New York Times

Her sons eluded capture and never again saw their mother.

Princeton University

Not only Mugniyah has eluded capture; so have his associates.

The New Yorker

Only five of those wanted by the police eluded capture.

The Economist

In every killing but one, the killers have eluded capture.

The New York Times

He has repeatedly eluded capture -- before and after Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Those who had eluded capture fled the village.

The New York Times

Seven suspects were reported to have eluded capture.

The Guardian

Mr. Fadhil was indicted in the embassy bombings case, but has eluded capture.

The New York Times

But the fifth man eluded capture until shortly before 6 30 a.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eluded capture" when you want to emphasize the subject's skill, luck, or circumstance that allowed them to avoid being caught, rather than simply stating they weren't captured. It adds a layer of intrigue or admiration (depending on the context).

Common error

Don't use "eluded capture" interchangeably with simpler terms like "escaped". "Eluded capture" suggests a prolonged or strategic avoidance, whereas "escaped" implies a single instance of breaking free.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eluded capture" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of successfully avoiding being caught. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "eluded capture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of successfully avoiding being caught. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in news reports and historical accounts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, consider the nuance it adds – emphasizing the subject's skill or circumstance in avoiding capture. Alternatives include "evaded capture" and "escaped apprehension", each with slightly different implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaded capture

Similar in meaning, but implies a more active effort to avoid capture.

escaped apprehension

More formal and suggests avoiding legal consequences.

avoided arrest

Specifically refers to not being taken into police custody.

remained at large

Indicates that someone is still free and not in custody, often used in news reports.

dodged capture

Implies a narrow escape or a stroke of luck in avoiding capture.

slipped through the net

Suggests a failure of a system designed to catch someone.

managed to escape

Focuses on the act of escaping, rather than avoiding initial capture.

went into hiding

Emphasizes the act of concealing oneself to avoid capture.

fled from justice

Implies that someone is running away to avoid being brought to justice.

was never caught

Simply states that someone was not apprehended.

FAQs

What does "eluded capture" mean?

"Eluded capture" means to successfully avoid being caught or apprehended, often after an attempt to capture has been made.

How can I use "eluded capture" in a sentence?

You might say "The suspect "evaded capture" for several weeks" or "The rare bird "avoided capture" by hiding in the dense forest".

What are some alternatives to "eluded capture"?

Some alternatives include "evaded capture", "escaped apprehension", or "avoided arrest depending on the context".

Is "eluded capture" formal or informal?

"Eluded capture" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news reports, historical accounts, and other non-casual contexts.