ran away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in almost any context when someone or something is moving quickly in the opposite direction. For example, "When Sarah saw the spider, she ran away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They never ran away.

The Economist

"He ran away".

The New York Times

She ran away, horrified.

Independent

Then he ran away.

The New York Times

She ran away.

The New York Times

Afterward, Nazir ran away.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Run away, run away.

The New Yorker

Merle began running away.

The New Yorker

Had they run away?

The New York Times

Running away from field.

The New York Times

"Landlords had run away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a character's motivation for leaving, be specific about the reasons why they "ran away". Providing context adds depth to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "ran away" when a more nuanced verb would be appropriate. For example, use "retreated" in a military context or "resigned" in a professional setting for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ran away" is a phrasal verb acting as the main verb in a sentence. It typically describes the action of escaping or fleeing. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ran away" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that describes the action of fleeing or escaping. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "ran away", consider the subtle nuances of alternative phrases like "fled", "escaped", or "took off" to enhance the precision and impact of your writing. By being mindful of these distinctions, you can effectively convey the intended meaning while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fled

A more formal synonym emphasizing a sudden departure, often from danger.

escaped

Highlights the act of breaking free from confinement or a difficult situation.

took off

Informal, suggesting a quick and often unexpected departure.

bolted

Implies a sudden and rapid movement, often out of fear.

absconded

Suggests a secretive and often illegal departure, typically with something valuable.

slipped away

Emphasizes a discreet or unnoticed departure.

made off

Informal, similar to 'took off' but can imply carrying something away.

deserted

Implies abandoning a responsibility or duty.

cleared out

Suggests a complete and thorough evacuation of a place.

took flight

A more literary or dramatic way to describe running away, often implying a sense of urgency or desperation.

FAQs

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

"Ran away" is used to describe someone or something that has fled or escaped from a place or situation. For example, "The cat ran away when the dog barked".

What can I say instead of "ran away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fled", "escaped", "took off", or "bolted".

Is it correct to say "runned away" instead of "ran away"?

No, "runned away" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense of "run away" is "ran away".

What's the difference between "ran away" and "gone away"?

"Ran away" implies a sudden departure, often to escape something, while "gone away" simply means someone has left, without necessarily implying an escape or quick departure.