he bolted

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "he bolted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone running away quickly and suddenly. Example: Despite the heavy rain, John bolted out of the building, desperate to catch the last bus home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, idiotically, he bolted.

The New Yorker

So he bolted.

The New York Times - Sports

He bolted again.

The New York Times

He bolted before the end of the record.

The New Yorker

He bolted back on foot to the construction site.

The New York Times

Then the gun went off and he bolted ahead.

The New Yorker

Then someone left a door open, and he bolted.

The New York Times

He bolted up from his chair, turned away and sobbed.

The New York Times

They confronted him, showed their identification and he bolted.

The New York Times

Lacking enviable options he bolted together a winning team.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Weinstein was so angry he bolted to Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he bolted" to vividly describe a sudden and rapid departure, especially when conveying a sense of urgency, fear, or surprise. For example, "Seeing the bear, he bolted into the woods."

Common error

Avoid using "he bolted" when a slower or more deliberate departure is intended. This phrase suggests an abrupt and quick movement, not a leisurely walk or gradual exit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he bolted" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the main verb. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of a subject (he) moving suddenly and rapidly. It provides a vivid depiction of fleeing or escaping.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he bolted" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sudden and rapid departure, often prompted by urgency or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informal and should be used judiciously in formal writing. When alternative options are needed, phrases such as "he dashed off" or "he fled" can serve as effective substitutes, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he fled

Highlights escaping from danger or an unpleasant situation.

he took off

Implies a rapid and sudden departure, similar to an aircraft.

he dashed off

Focuses on quick movement, implying eagerness or haste.

he darted out

Focuses on a sudden and quick movement, often unexpected.

he ran away

Emphasizes departure, potentially from a place or situation, often implying fear or avoidance.

he sped away

Highlights the high speed of departure.

he hurried off

Suggests a quick departure with a sense of urgency.

he broke away

Emphasizes freeing oneself from restraint or confinement.

he made off

Suggests escaping, often after committing a crime or misdeed.

he scrambled away

Implies a hurried and uncoordinated departure, possibly due to panic or fear.

FAQs

What does "he bolted" mean?

"He bolted" means that someone ran away suddenly and quickly, usually because they were scared, surprised, or trying to escape something.

What can I say instead of "he bolted"?

You can use alternatives like "he dashed off", "he fled", or "he ran away" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he bolted" in formal writing?

While "he bolted" is grammatically correct, it might be more appropriate for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "he departed quickly" or "he rapidly exited."

How does "he bolted" differ from "he walked quickly"?

"He bolted" implies a sudden and often unexpected burst of speed motivated by urgency or fear, whereas "he walked quickly" simply describes a faster pace of walking without the implication of alarm or surprise.