make a dash for

USAGE SUMMARY

'make a dash for' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to quickly move towards something, usually with haste or urgency. For example, "The hikers heard the sound of a bear and made a dash for the safety of their car".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

TV & Radio

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

So I make a dash for it.

The Guardian

We decided to make a dash for it.

The Guardian

You can't make a dash for freedom in six-inch Louboutins.

The New York Times - Style

Still, I instinctively make a dash for the pool, pretending I don't know who he is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Irina suffered only minor injuries, and Guriyeva told her to make a dash for it.

The Guardian

The concert allowed Mr. Firth, the cabaret accompanist du jour, to cut loose and make a dash for it.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He made a dash for the door.

The Guardian - Books

The merganser and remaining chicks made a dash for deeper water.

The New York Times - Travel

As the ball was in the air, Machado made a dash for second base.

The New York Times - Sports

After two false starts, we spotted a crease in traffic and made a dash for it.

The New York Times - Travel

They made a dash for the border and guards shot at them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a dash for" when you want to emphasize a sudden, rapid movement towards a specific objective or location, often to escape a situation or seize an opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a dash for" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language like "proceeded swiftly" or "moved quickly toward" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make a dash for" is to act as a verb phrase indicating a sudden and rapid movement towards a specific destination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in describing actions taken in response to various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

TV & Radio

8%

Books

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a dash for" is an idiomatic verb phrase used to describe a sudden and rapid movement toward a specific destination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for various contexts, although less appropriate for highly formal writing. The phrase is common in News & Media. Remember to use it when conveying urgency and immediacy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sprint towards

This alternative conveys a slightly more athletic and energetic movement compared to "make a dash for".

bolt towards

Highlights a sudden and rapid movement, often out of fear or surprise.

hurry to

Focuses on the speed and urgency of the action, but lacks the sense of a sudden burst of movement.

rush toward

Similar meaning but implies less control than "make a dash for".

speed towards

Focuses on the velocity of the movement, less about the intent or reason.

dart to

Implies a quick, small movement rather than a longer run.

make haste to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing the same idea.

tear off to

Suggests a very rapid and possibly reckless movement.

race to

Emphasizes the competitive nature of the movement, suggesting others might be trying to reach the same goal.

scramble for

Implies a more chaotic and disorganized movement, often involving multiple people competing for something.

FAQs

How can I use "make a dash for" in a sentence?

You can use "make a dash for" to describe quickly moving towards something, often to escape something or seize an opportunity. For example, "When the rain started, we "made a dash for" the nearest shelter".

What does "make a dash for" mean?

"Make a dash for" means to run or move quickly and suddenly towards a particular place or thing. It implies urgency and a need to reach the destination rapidly.

What are some alternatives to "make a dash for"?

Alternatives include "sprint towards", "rush toward", or "hurry to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make a dash for" formal or informal?

"Make a dash for" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "move quickly toward" or "proceed swiftly".