evade

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "evade" is correct and it is commonly used in written English.
It means to avoid, dodge, or escape something. Example sentence: The police officer was unable to apprehend the suspect, who had evaded capture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It makes for an entertaining and informative read, as Biggles and his associates attempt to evade capture in order to escape to London with important military information.

The Guardian

Birds flying over the islands of Malta on their annual migration to northern Europe must evade 31 licensed marksmen per square kilometre – 15 times more than in shooting-friendly France.

The Guardian

The drivers say Uber and other ride-sharing services evade the tax, registration and safety laws to which regular cabs are subject.

The Guardian - Tech

Over the subsequent four decades, the activist group has campaigned for environmental issues across the globe, the name becoming synonymous with large-scale action against some of the world's largest corporations, raising the profile of issues that may otherwise evade public consciousness.

The Guardian

The CNFC under-reported gross tonnage for 44 of its 59 vessels operating in west Africa, the report alleged, a practice which enables companies to evade licensing fees and could potentially mean they were fishing in prohibited areas.

The Guardian

Asked what he did when not working, Noel Coward used to say: "I evade boredom".

The Guardian

McKay also accused the coal baron of making an offer to evade campaign funding laws in order to contribute money to her 2011 election campaign.

The Guardian

"Corruption within the higher ranks of the military is still rife whilst the vast geographical location of north-east Nigeria, where Boko Haram operates, makes it easier to evade the military and to plan attacks against them".

The Guardian

However, his position came under pressure last year when Credit Suisse pleaded guilty to charges that it helped American citizens evade taxes, becoming the first bank in more than a decade to admit to a crime in the US.

The Guardian - Business

According to BTTF's slightly revisionist history, Marty McFly invented skateboarding in 1955 when he vandalised a child's homemade scooter in order to evade some thugs.

The Guardian - Film

Even if I can now evade detection on a superficial analysis, though, that's not to say that I'm not still an obvious part of a fairly snotty crowd.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "evade" when you wish to highlight the skillful or cunning manner in which someone avoids something, such as "evading" taxes or capture.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "evade" when a simpler term like "avoid" would suffice. "Evade" implies a degree of ingenuity or trickery, so it's not suitable for all situations where something is simply avoided.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "evade" is as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It signifies the act of skillfully avoiding something, whether it's a physical object, a responsibility, or a difficult situation. This aligns with Ludwig's definition and examples, which showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evade" is a versatile transitive verb that describes the act of skillfully avoiding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. The word implies a deliberate and often cunning strategy to escape a challenge or responsibility. Its frequent presence in news articles and formal writing underscores its neutrality and broad applicability. To enhance your writing, remember that "evade" is best suited for situations where cleverness and intention are key to the act of avoidance, distinguishing it from simpler terms like "avoid".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid

A general term for keeping away from something, lacking the implication of cleverness or trickery sometimes present in "evade".

dodge

Implies a quick, often physical, movement to avoid something, whereas "evade" can be more strategic or abstract.

elude

Similar to "evade", but often suggests that the subject is difficult to catch or understand.

circumvent

Implies finding a way around an obstacle or rule, often through cleverness or ingenuity.

sidestep

Suggests avoiding a direct confrontation or addressing an issue head-on.

escape

Focuses on getting free from a dangerous or confining situation.

shirk

Implies avoiding a responsibility or duty.

bypass

To go around something, ignoring it.

duck

A sudden quick movement to avoid an object.

get around

To find a way of overcoming or avoiding something.

FAQs

How can I use "evade" in a sentence?

You can use "evade" to describe skillfully avoiding something. For example, "The suspect managed to evade capture by the police" or "The company tried to evade paying taxes through loopholes."

What's the difference between "evade" and "avoid"?

"Evade" often implies a deliberate and skillful effort to escape or avoid something, suggesting cleverness or trickery. "Avoid" is a more general term for keeping away from something, without necessarily implying a strategic effort.

What are some synonyms for "evade"?

Some synonyms for "evade" include "dodge", "elude", "circumvent", and "sidestep". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "evade" responsibility?

Yes, it's correct. "Evade" responsibility means to avoid fulfilling or facing one's obligations, typically in a clever or dishonest way. "Shirk" is another word to use.