he ran away

USAGE SUMMARY

"he ran away" is a grammatically correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone (such as a person or animal) leaves a place very quickly, usually in order to avoid a difficult situation or danger. For example: "When the thief saw the police, he ran away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He ran away".

The New York Times

Then he ran away.

The New York Times

At 17, he ran away from home.

The New York Times

Tomas can't acknowledge that he ran away.

The Economist

He ran away from home in 1939.

The New Yorker

He ran away from the money.

The Guardian

I took the dog, but of course he ran away.

The New Yorker

"Maybe that's why he ran away," I said.

The New Yorker

He ran away after she screamed, the police said.

The New York Times

He ran away & walked home when he was 13.

The New Yorker

The first feelings after he ran away were positive.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he ran away", consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for greater clarity and impact. For example, use "he fled" in formal contexts or "he bolted" to emphasize sudden movement.

Common error

Avoid using "he ran away" when a more specific verb would be more accurate. For instance, if someone left a job without notice, "he quit" or "he resigned" would be more precise than "he ran away".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he ran away" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that someone has fled a particular place or situation. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing literal escapes, as well as figurative abandonments of responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he ran away" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone fleeing a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While versatile, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey by opting for synonyms like "he fled" or "he escaped" for more formal tones, or "he took off" for informal contexts. Remember, the past tense "ran" is crucial, avoiding the incorrect "he run away". By using "he ran away" appropriately, you ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he fled

This alternative is more formal and implies a hurried escape from danger or an unpleasant situation.

he escaped

This alternative emphasizes the act of breaking free from confinement or a difficult situation.

he bolted

This alternative implies a sudden and rapid movement, often out of fear or surprise.

he took off

This alternative is more informal and suggests a quick departure, often without warning.

he broke free

This alternative highlights the overcoming of restraints or obstacles in order to escape.

he absconded

This alternative is formal and suggests a secretive departure, often with something valuable or illicit.

he skipped town

This alternative is informal and implies leaving a place to avoid trouble or responsibility.

he did a runner

This alternative is a British slang term for running away to avoid paying or fulfilling an obligation.

he disappeared

This alternative suggests a vanishing act, with less emphasis on the act of running.

he deserted

This alternative implies abandoning a duty or responsibility, often in a military context.

FAQs

How can I use "he ran away" in a sentence?

You can use "he ran away" to describe someone fleeing a situation. For example, "When the fire alarm rang, "he ran away" from the building."

What can I say instead of "he ran away"?

You can use alternatives like "he fled", "he escaped", or "he took off" depending on the context.

Is "he run away" grammatically correct?

No, "he run away" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""he ran away"", using the past tense of the verb 'run'.

What's the difference between "he ran away" and "he walked away"?

"He ran away" implies a quick escape, often due to fear or urgency. "He walked away" suggests a more deliberate and less hurried departure.