remained at large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained at large" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person, often a criminal, who has not been captured or apprehended. Example: "The suspect in the robbery remained at large for several weeks before being caught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tsarnaev remained at large.

The New Yorker

The poachers remained at large.

The New Yorker

The attacker remained at large.

The New York Times

He remained at large on Friday.

The New York Times

She remained at large on Friday.

The New York Times

Both remained at large late Wednesday.

The New York Times

They remained at large on Thursday.

The New York Times

Three men remained at large.

The New York Times

His killer remained at large yesterday.

The New York Times

Mr. Canella, 36, remained at large yesterday.

The New York Times

A third suspect remained at large.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained at large" to clearly indicate that a person or thing has not been captured or found, especially in contexts related to law enforcement or searches. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and news reports.

Common error

Avoid using "remained at large" when simply stating that something is missing. This phrase typically implies an active search or pursuit, often in a legal or investigative context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained at large" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a subject (usually a person or sometimes an object) as being uncaptured or unfound. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remained at large" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe someone or something that has not been captured or found, typically implying an ongoing search. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While its primary function is to inform, its use suggests an active search or investigation, distinguishing it from simply being "missing". Consider alternatives like "still on the loose" for less formal contexts. Be mindful not to use it when there isn't an implication of active pursuit or escape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains uncaptured

Focuses specifically on the state of not being captured.

has not been apprehended

Emphasizes the lack of capture by authorities, focusing on the legal aspect.

has not been taken into custody

A formal way of saying someone hasn't been arrested.

is still on the loose

Uses a more informal tone and implies a sense of pursuit or escape.

is outstanding

Implies that someone's case is still open and unresolved by authorities.

continues to evade capture

Highlights the ongoing effort to avoid being caught.

is still at liberty

A more formal way of saying someone is free and unconfined, often implying they should not be.

is yet to be found

Emphasizes the aspect of being undiscovered or located.

is avoiding detection

Highlights the act of actively preventing oneself from being found.

is free from captivity

Implies a previous state of confinement that has been escaped.

FAQs

How can I use "remained at large" in a sentence?

The phrase "remained at large" is used to indicate that someone or something has not been captured or found, typically after an escape or incident. For example: "The suspect in the robbery "remained at large" despite the police investigation."

What's a less formal way to say "remained at large"?

Alternatives to "remained at large" include "still on the loose" or "not yet apprehended", which are suitable for more casual contexts.

Is it correct to use "remained at large" for objects and not just people?

While typically used for people, "remained at large" can be used for objects, especially in investigative contexts. An example could be: "The stolen artifact "remained at large" despite the museum's efforts to recover it."

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

"Remained at large" implies an active avoidance of capture or recovery, usually after an escape or crime. "Went missing" simply indicates that someone or something is lost or their whereabouts are unknown. For example, a fugitive "remained at large", while a hiker "went missing".