have escaped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have escaped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has successfully gotten away from a situation or place, often implying a sense of urgency or danger. Example: "The prisoners have escaped from the facility during the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He might have escaped.

The New Yorker

Most have escaped punishment.

The Economist

"He could have escaped.

The New Yorker

"Yes, some prisoners have escaped.

The New York Times

"The murderers have escaped".

The Guardian

"He would have escaped".

The Guardian

Few have escaped unscathed.

The Guardian

Others have escaped.

The Guardian

I was lucky to have escaped.

The New York Times - Arts

Dealers selling diluted pesticides have escaped prosecution.

The Economist

The investment bank may have escaped lightly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have escaped" to clearly and concisely indicate that individuals or entities have successfully avoided a dangerous or undesirable situation. This phrase is widely understood and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "have escaped" when a simpler term like "left" or "avoided" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can sometimes sound overly dramatic or create a sense of danger where it is not necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have escaped" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating a completed action with present relevance. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have escaped" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a successful evasion or departure from a difficult situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of potential overdramatization in certain situations. Consider alternatives such as "managed to flee" or "got away" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got away

A more informal way of saying someone has successfully escaped.

managed to flee

Focuses on the act of running away from danger, emphasizing speed and urgency.

evaded capture

Specifically emphasizes avoiding being caught by authorities or pursuers.

succeeded in evading

Highlights the skillful avoidance of capture or detection.

made their getaway

Focuses on the act of leaving the scene of a crime or undesirable situation.

broke free

Emphasizes the act of overcoming confinement or restraint.

dodged

A simpler way of saying avoiding something unpleasant, like a question or responsibility.

slipped through the net

Implies a narrow escape from a system designed to catch them.

sought refuge

Implies seeking safety and protection in a new location after escaping danger.

absconded

Suggests a secret and hurried departure, often with something illicit.

FAQs

How can I use "have escaped" in a sentence?

The phrase "have escaped" is used to indicate that someone or something has successfully gotten away from a dangerous or undesirable situation. For example: "The prisoners "have escaped" from the facility during the night."

What are some alternatives to saying "have escaped"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "managed to flee", "got away", or "broke free".

Is it correct to say "has escaped" instead of "have escaped"?

No, "has escaped" is used with singular subjects, while "have escaped" is used with plural subjects or the pronoun "you". For example, "He has escaped", but "They "have escaped"".

What is the difference between "have escaped" and "had escaped"?

"Have escaped" refers to a past action with present relevance, while "had escaped" refers to an action completed before another point in the past. For example, "They "have escaped" now," versus "They had escaped before the police arrived".