evaded capture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evaded capture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something successfully avoids being caught or apprehended. Example: "The suspect evaded capture for several weeks before finally being apprehended by the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He, too, evaded capture.

The New York Times

Laci evaded capture.

The Guardian

Mr. Erdogan narrowly evaded capture.

The New York Times

And so far he has evaded capture.

The Guardian

The perpetrator, later convicted for exposure, thought he'd evaded capture.

The Guardian

Michelangelo only evaded capture by hiding in his chimney.

The Guardian - Arts

Percentage who evaded capture after being detected by Border Patrols.

The New York Times

Mr. Umarov has evaded capture in the forested mountains of the region.

The New York Times

The police recovered much of the loot, but it appears that Miss Youngson successfully evaded capture.

The New York Times

He had evaded capture for a long time by moving around Spain and using false identities.

Independent

It had evaded capture twice, both times flying over the heads of the urban park rangers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "evaded capture" when you want to emphasize the act of successfully avoiding being caught, especially after a pursuit or attempted apprehension. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "evaded capture" to describe situations where inanimate objects are lost or misplaced. The phrase implies a deliberate act of avoidance, which is not applicable to non-living things.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evaded capture" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a transitive verb ("evaded") followed by a noun ("capture"). Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the act of successfully avoiding being caught. Examples show it applies to people, animals, or even abstract entities like computer programs, when there's active pursuit or attempts to catch them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Forbes

2%

Vice

2%

HuffPost

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evaded capture" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the successful avoidance of being caught or apprehended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears most commonly in news and media contexts but is suitable for general narratives as well. When writing, ensure you're using it to describe active avoidance, not merely the loss of an object. Alternatives include "eluded arrest" or "escaped detention". Be sure to consider the nuanced differences in meaning when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eluded arrest

Specifically refers to avoiding being taken into custody by law enforcement.

avoided apprehension

Highlights the act of preventing someone from seizing or arresting someone.

dodged capture

Implies agility and quick thinking in avoiding being caught.

escaped detention

Focuses on avoiding a period of confinement or custody.

managed to escape

A general term for successfully getting away from a situation of potential capture.

remained at large

Emphasizes the continued freedom and uncaptured state of an individual.

outwitted pursuers

Highlights the use of intelligence and strategy to avoid being caught.

slipped away

Suggests a more subtle or stealthy escape from being caught.

broke free

Implies a forceful or decisive escape from captivity or pursuit.

went into hiding

Focuses on the act of concealing oneself to avoid detection.

FAQs

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

You can use "evaded capture" to describe someone or something that has successfully avoided being caught or apprehended. For example, "The suspect "evaded capture" for several weeks."

What are some alternatives to "evaded capture"?

Some alternatives include "eluded arrest", "escaped detention", or "avoided apprehension", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "evaded from capture"?

No, the correct phrase is "evaded capture". The preposition "from" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "evaded capture" and "escaped capture"?

"Evaded capture" implies that someone actively avoided being caught, while "escaped capture" suggests that someone was initially captured but then managed to get away. The former highlights prevention, the latter highlights escape after initial capture.