nowhere to run

USAGE SUMMARY

"nowhere to run" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of being trapped or having no options. Example: The fugitive realized he had nowhere to run as the police closed in on him. I searched through the entire house, but there was nowhere to run from the scary noises I heard. The team was losing by a large margin with only a few minutes left in the game - it seemed like there was nowhere to run for a comeback.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's nowhere to run.

The New Yorker

And I have nowhere to run.

Independent

Nowhere to run, no place to hide.

The New Yorker

He had nowhere to run to.

The New York Times

Sprint may have nowhere to run.

The Economist

After all, they have nowhere to run.

The Guardian

But there was nowhere to run.

The New Yorker

The problem is not that we have nowhere to run.

The New Yorker

"Nowhere to Run, South Kivu, Eastern Congo," 2010.

The New Yorker

You could get carjacked and have nowhere to run".

The New Yorker

Just now he has nowhere to run to.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nowhere to run" to emphasize a character's vulnerability or a company's precarious position in a competitive market.

Common error

Avoid using "nowhere to run" solely in the context of physical running. It's often used metaphorically to describe a lack of options or solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nowhere to run" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of options or escape. It often appears after a subject and verb to describe their state, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nowhere to run" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation where escape or alternatives are unavailable. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, and to a lesser extent, in Formal & Business writing. While generally neutral in tone, it can effectively emphasize vulnerability or lack of options in various contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider "no way out" or "no place to hide". In the end, "nowhere to run" is a versatile phrase that adds impact when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no place to hide

Indicates a lack of concealment or safety.

no way out

Highlights the impossibility of finding a solution or exit.

trapped

Emphasizes being held against one's will or in a difficult situation.

no escape route

Focuses on the absence of a path to get away.

cornered

Suggests being trapped in a confined space.

out of options

Signifies having exhausted all available choices.

dead end

Implies a situation with no positive outcome or progression.

in a bind

Describes being in a difficult or problematic situation.

at a standstill

Conveys the lack of movement or progress.

facing the music

Suggests confronting the consequences of one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "nowhere to run" in a sentence?

You can use "nowhere to run" to describe a situation where someone is trapped or has no options for escape or resolution. For example, "After the scandal broke, the CEO had nowhere to run".

What is a good alternative to "nowhere to run"?

Alternatives to "nowhere to run" include "no way out", "no escape route", or "trapped", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "nowhere to run"?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of the situation. In very formal contexts, a more nuanced or descriptive phrase might be preferable. However, in most situations, "nowhere to run" is perfectly suitable.

What does "no place to hide" mean, and how does it relate to "nowhere to run"?

"No place to hide" and "nowhere to run" are closely related. While "nowhere to run" implies a lack of escape from a situation, "no place to hide" suggests a lack of concealment or safety from scrutiny or danger. They both convey a sense of vulnerability and exposure.