proved elusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proved elusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been difficult to find, achieve, or understand. Example: "Despite extensive research, the solution to the problem proved elusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intially, success proved elusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unanimity still proved elusive.

The Guardian

Even that goal proved elusive.

The New York Times - Sports

Economic recovery, however, proved elusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Success, however, has proved elusive.

Harvard University

That approach has proved elusive.

The New York Times - Sports

A solution clearly proved elusive.

The Guardian - Sport

(Cultivation has long proved elusive).

The New York Times - Food

A new job has proved elusive.

The New York Times

Compromise has thus far proved elusive.

The New York Times

But treatment there also proved elusive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proved elusive" to describe goals, solutions, or information that were difficult to obtain or achieve despite effort. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "proved elusive" when describing something that was never intended to be found or achieved. This phrase implies an active attempt to obtain something that ultimately remained out of reach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proved elusive" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as something that was difficult to obtain, achieve, or understand. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns such as "solution", "compromise", and "treatment". The Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proved elusive" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe something that has been difficult to obtain or achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While alternatives like "remained unattainable" or "stayed out of reach" exist, understanding the subtle differences in connotation can enhance the precision of your writing. By avoiding the common mistake of using it when there was no genuine attempt to find something, you can effectively convey the sense of struggle and ultimate failure in reaching a specific goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unattainable

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching the desired outcome.

stayed out of reach

Emphasizes the continued distance from the goal or object.

was hard to pin down

Implies difficulty in defining or understanding something precisely.

defied attainment

Highlights the resistance to being achieved.

proved unachievable

Stresses that the objective could not be accomplished.

failed to materialize

Indicates that something expected did not occur.

resisted capture

Suggests active resistance to being obtained or understood.

evaded detection

Focuses on the inability to find or notice something.

was not to be found

A more literal expression indicating absence or unavailability.

remained unresolved

Highlights the lack of a solution or answer.

FAQs

How can I use "proved elusive" in a sentence?

You can use "proved elusive" to describe something that was difficult to find, achieve, or understand. For example: "Despite extensive research, the solution to the problem "proved elusive"".

What can I say instead of "proved elusive"?

You can use alternatives like "remained unattainable", "stayed out of reach", or "was hard to pin down" depending on the context.

Is "proved elusive" formal or informal?

The phrase ""proved elusive"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its use is widespread across different types of sources and registers.

What does it mean when something "proved elusive"?

When something ""proved elusive"", it means that it was difficult to find, catch, achieve, or understand. It suggests that efforts were made to obtain it, but they were unsuccessful.