is at large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at large" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone, often a criminal, is not in custody and is still free. Example: "The suspect in the robbery is at large and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A convicted killer is "at large" after failing to return to Maghaberry Prison.

BBC

Compton's election is "at large," meaning all residents of the city vote for all candidates, rather than each neighborhood electing its own council member.

Los Angeles Times

Finch is at large.

The New York Times

Young is at large.

The New York Times

He is at large.

The New York Times

Another defendant is at large.

The New York Times

The shooter is at large.

The New York Times

The suspect is at large.

The New York Times

The gunman is at large.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Bambaataa is at-large, his whereabouts unknown.

Vice

One of the problems is at-large elections.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at large" to clearly communicate that a person or thing is currently not in custody or contained, particularly when they are being sought by authorities or pose a threat.

Common error

Avoid using "is at large" to describe situations where something is simply missing or lost without any implication of evasion or threat. This phrase carries a connotation of active avoidance of capture or containment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at large" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a subject, typically a person or animal, that is not in custody or contained. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates that someone is free and often sought after by authorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is at large" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone or something that is not in custody or contained, often after escaping or committing a crime. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. Primarily found in news and media contexts, this phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and communicates a sense of urgency or potential threat. Alternatives include "is on the run" and "remains at large". When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with active evasion or the potential for harm, rather than simple absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is still at large

Adds emphasis on the continuation of the state of being unfound or uncaptured.

remains at large

Similar to "is still at large", it stresses the persistence of the situation.

is on the run

Focuses on the act of actively fleeing or evading capture.

is on the loose

Like "is on the run", but can apply to non-human entities, implying potential danger or disruption.

is outstanding

Indicates that a matter or person is unresolved or not yet apprehended.

is unapprehended

A more formal way of saying someone has not been caught.

is wanted

Highlights that authorities are actively searching for the person.

is missing

Suggests a state of being lost or unaccounted for, without necessarily implying wrongdoing.

is loose

Implies a lack of containment or control, often used for animals or abstract concepts.

is rampant

Used when referring to something (like a disease or rumor) spreading uncontrollably.

FAQs

How do I use "is at large" in a sentence?

Use "is at large" to indicate that someone or something, typically a person who has committed a crime, has not been captured and is free. For example, "The suspect in the bank robbery "is at large"."

What can I say instead of "is at large"?

Alternatives include "is on the run", "remains at large", or "is still at large", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is at large" or "are at large"?

"Is at large" is used when referring to a singular subject, while "are at large" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The suspect is at large," but "The escaped convicts are at large."

What's the difference between "is at large" and "is missing"?

"Is at large" implies that someone is deliberately avoiding capture, often after committing a crime. "Is missing" simply means someone's location is unknown, without any implication of wrongdoing or evasion.