has been escaping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been escaping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or situation that started in the past and continues into the present, often implying a sense of elusiveness or difficulty in capturing something. Example: "The truth has been escaping us for far too long, and it's time to confront it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And for weeks, the farmers and their families had been escaping, trailing back to Ha My, loathing the captivity of the strategic hamlet, needing to farm their land.

The Guardian

An old meander bend of the Mississippi was the conduit through which water had been escaping into the Atchafalaya.

The New Yorker

But I would just have been escaping from the problem if I had gone home at night.

The Guardian

Lawrence, the Darwin lawyer, tells Guardian Australia serious questions should be asked about why the Don Dale kids have been escaping.

The Guardian

I vaguely remember wiping noses and tying shoelaces, but to be honest, kids could have been escaping en masse over the fence and I wouldn't have noticed".

The Guardian - Books

An amnesty program is luring some midlevel rebel commanders out of the bush, and children have been escaping at a higher rate than before.

The New York Times

Many of the Hondurans said that they would be content to stay in Mexico if they could; their main concern had been escaping the immediate violence at home.

The New Yorker

And since Sept. 11, many of her newer customers have been escaping from a fall and winter of worry in New York and northern North Jersey.

The New York Times

Some have been escaping the violence in north Africa, whilst many have seen an opportunity to get into the EU.

BBC

Weary travellers have been escaping airport chaos and bunking up in-terminal for some time outside the US.

BBC

Tibetans fleeing from China have been escaping across the treacherous Himalayan border ever since 1959, when the Chinese overran Tibet.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been escaping" to describe an ongoing situation where something is actively avoiding capture, understanding, or detection. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the escaping and from what it is escaping.

Common error

Avoid using "has been escaping" when a simple past tense ("escaped") or present perfect tense ("has escaped") is more appropriate. The continuous tense implies an action that started in the past and is still in progress or has recently stopped.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been escaping" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action that began in the past and is either still ongoing or has only recently ceased. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been escaping" is a grammatically sound verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense used to describe ongoing evasion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, although it notes a limited number of examples. While versatile across different registers, its appropriateness depends on the surrounding context. Consider alternatives like "has been evading" or "has been avoiding" to fine-tune the meaning. When using "has been escaping", ensure clarity about what is escaping and from what. Avoid using it when a simple past or present perfect tense would be more accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been evading

Focuses on actively avoiding something or someone, implying a deliberate effort to stay away.

has been avoiding

Implies a conscious effort to keep away from a situation, person, or thing.

has been eluding

Suggests that something is difficult to grasp or achieve, often used in more abstract contexts.

has been slipping away

Indicates a gradual loss or disappearance, often subtly and almost imperceptibly.

has been fading away

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance or weakening of something, often related to memories or feelings.

has been disappearing

Highlights the complete vanishing of something, often without a trace.

has been retreating

Implies a movement backward or away from something, often in the context of military or strategic maneuvers.

has been withdrawing

Suggests a deliberate removal or retraction from a situation or commitment.

has been fleeing

Conveys a sense of urgent and rapid departure, often due to danger or fear.

has been running away

Similar to 'fleeing' but can also imply avoiding responsibility or emotional confrontation.

FAQs

How can I use "has been escaping" in a sentence?

Use "has been escaping" to describe something that is currently in the process of avoiding something, such as "The prisoner "has been escaping" from jail since yesterday".

What are some alternatives to "has been escaping"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "has been evading", "has been avoiding", or "has been eluding".

Is it correct to say "had been escaping" instead of "has been escaping"?

While both are grammatically correct, "had been escaping" indicates an action that was in progress in the past and finished before another point in the past, whereas "has been escaping" describes an action starting in the past and continuing to the present.

What is the difference between "has been escaping" and "is escaping"?

"Has been escaping" describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present, while "is escaping" describes an action happening right now. For example, "He is escaping now!" versus "He "has been escaping" for three days!"