evade capture

USAGE SUMMARY

"evade capture" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to avoid being caught or captured by someone or something. You can use it in a sentence when describing someone trying to escape from the police or avoid being caught by an enemy. Example: The fugitive managed to evade capture for two weeks, but eventually he was found hiding in an abandoned warehouse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their cameraman and guide managed to evade capture.

The Guardian

Often, they try to evade capture by hiding in mines.

The Washington Post

But more than half of the drivers still evade capture.

The New York Times

They went into hiding and died, Amini heard, trying to evade capture.

The New Yorker

Discusses Nordahl's meticulous methods, his patience and his ability to evade capture.

The New Yorker

His family is suspected of helping him evade capture, along with a network of supporters.

The New York Times

"Those facts clearly show this gentleman will do anything to evade capture," said Stansfeld.

The Guardian

Steve Hodel suggests that his father effectively blackmailed his police connections to evade capture.

The Guardian

Snowden's trans-continental attempt to evade capture by US authorities continued to frustrate Washington on Tuesday.

The Guardian

Those tactics did permit several Americans accompanying him to evade capture, he said.

The New York Times

They evade capture but journey through the desert landscape with no comprehension of the distances involved.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's actions in a narrative, using "evade capture" can effectively convey their resourcefulness and determination to remain free. For example: "Despite the guards' vigilance, the spy managed to evade capture by blending into the crowd."

Common error

Avoid using "evade capture" when a simpler term like "escape" or "avoid" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or unnatural in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "evade capture" is as a verb phrase where "evade" acts as a transitive verb taking "capture" as its direct object. This construction describes the action of successfully avoiding being caught. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evade capture" is a common and grammatically sound expression that effectively describes the act of avoiding being caught or apprehended. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias and science. While it can sometimes sound formal, several alternatives like "escape capture" or "avoid capture" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When writing, consider the specific context and desired level of formality to choose the most appropriate phrasing. Remember that while "evade capture" accurately conveys the concept of avoiding capture, overuse can lead to stilted prose. Diversifying your vocabulary with synonyms can enhance the readability and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escape capture

Focuses on the act of breaking free from an existing hold or immediate threat of being captured.

flee capture

Emphasizes running away or escaping from a situation to avoid being captured.

avoid capture

Highlights the proactive measures taken to prevent being captured in the first place.

elude capture

Suggests skillfully escaping or avoiding capture, often through cunning or agility.

dodge capture

Implies quickly moving out of the way to prevent being captured, often in a physical sense.

shun capture

Indicates actively rejecting or staying away from situations that could lead to capture.

bypass capture

Highlights going around or circumventing a capture attempt, often strategically.

shake off pursuers

Describes the action of losing those who are chasing or attempting to capture.

outrun pursuers

Focuses on using speed to escape those who are trying to capture someone.

escape pursuers

Indicates successfully getting away from those who are chasing or attempting to capture someone.

FAQs

What does "evade capture" mean?

"Evade capture" means to successfully avoid being caught, apprehended, or taken prisoner. It implies an active effort to stay free from pursuers or captors.

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

You can use "evade capture" to describe someone who is trying to avoid being caught. For example: "The suspect managed to "escape capture" by fleeing into the woods."

What are some synonyms for "evade capture"?

Synonyms for "evade capture" include phrases like "escape capture", "flee capture", "avoid capture", or "elude capture".

Is it better to say "evade capture" or "avoid capture"?

Both "evade capture" and "avoid capture" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Evade" often implies a more active and skillful effort to avoid being caught, while "avoid" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.