has retreated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has retreated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has moved back or withdrawn from a position or situation, often in a military or metaphorical context. Example: "After facing overwhelming opposition, the army has retreated to a safer location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hunger has retreated.

The Guardian - Opinion

In some areas, he has retreated.

The New York Times

The state has retreated, defeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cooper has retreated to his office.

The New York Times

The crowd has retreated to the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

He has retreated from the online community.

The Guardian

After separation upon cooling, the gold has retreated (dark gray).

University of California, Berkeley

Now, reluctantly, she has retreated to an apartment nearby.

The New York Times

The water has retreated, but the damage remains.

The Economist

Levein has retreated into a state of denial.

Independent

Since then it has retreated, though not very far.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has retreated" to describe a strategic or necessary withdrawal, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being withdrawn from and why.

Common error

Avoid using "has retreated" when a simple movement or repositioning is intended. "Has retreated" implies a giving up of ground or a change in strategy due to external factors, not just any movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has retreated" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a completed action of moving back or withdrawing. Ludwig examples show it describing physical retreats (glaciers, armies) and metaphorical ones (markets, policies), aligning with Ludwig AI assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has retreated" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe a movement or withdrawal from a previous position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, academia, and wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for objective reporting. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as a strategic withdrawal ("has withdrawn") or a loss of position ("has ceded ground"). Understanding the scope of "has retreated" helps to avoid misapplication, ensuring clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has withdrawn

Emphasizes a deliberate removal or pulling back from a situation or location.

has pulled back

Suggests a more active and often strategic withdrawal.

has backed down

Implies a retreat from a previously asserted position, often in a conflict.

has receded

Often used in the context of physical entities, like water or glaciers, moving backward.

has fallen back

Suggests a military or strategic retreat to a more defensible position.

has stepped back

Indicates a voluntary removal from active involvement in something.

has disengaged

Implies a detachment or separation from a previous connection or involvement.

has ceded ground

Signifies the loss of territory or advantage in a competitive context.

has lost ground

Highlights the loss of progress or advantage in a situation.

has given way

Suggests a collapse or yielding under pressure or force.

FAQs

How can I use "has retreated" in a sentence?

You can use "has retreated" to describe a movement backward, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "The army "has retreated" to regroup" or "The company "has retreated" from its initial marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to saying "has retreated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has withdrawn", "has pulled back", or "has backed down". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it always negative to say something "has retreated"?

Not necessarily. While ""has retreated"" can imply a loss or failure, it can also describe a strategic withdrawal for regrouping or reassessment. The connotation depends on the context.

What is the difference between "has retreated" and "has receded"?

"Has retreated" is used more broadly to describe people, groups, or strategies moving backward, while "has receded" is typically used for physical entities like water levels or shorelines.