run away

USAGE SUMMARY

'run away' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to suggest an action, to express an emotion, or to describe a situation. For example: He saw the looming storm clouds and started to run away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run away, run away.

The New Yorker

Had they run away?

The New York Times

"Landlords had run away.

The New York Times

I cannot run away".

The New Yorker

"He couldn't run away".

The New York Times

She would run away.

The Economist

"He'd just run away".

The New York Times - Sports

She won't run away".

The New Yorker

"I always run away.

The New York Times

You can run away.

The New York Times

"Dick?" "He's run away".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run away" when describing a physical escape or a metaphorical avoidance of a situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a literal or figurative escape.

Common error

Avoid using "run away" when a more precise verb like "evade", "avoid", or "withdraw" would better capture the intended meaning in abstract or complex situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run away" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as the predicate in a sentence. It describes an action of escaping or fleeing. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe escaping a situation, physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it as grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally neutral in register, it is crucial to choose it carefully in more formal settings. Remember, while alternatives like "flee" or "escape" exist, "run away" maintains its unique connotation of urgent or desperate avoidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flee

A more formal and concise way to express escaping from danger or a difficult situation.

escape

Implies breaking free from confinement or a restrictive situation.

take flight

Evokes a sense of urgency and quick departure, often from a threatening situation.

abscond

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

bolt

Conveys a sudden and rapid movement away from something.

make off

Informal way of saying to leave quickly, often to escape.

clear off

Suggests a quick departure from a place or situation, often to avoid trouble.

take to your heels

An idiom emphasizing the act of running away quickly.

break free

Focuses on the act of liberating oneself from a restricting force or situation.

disappear

To cease to be visible; implies leaving without a trace.

FAQs

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

You can use "run away" to describe physically fleeing a place or situation, like "The child threatened to run away from home". It can also describe avoiding a problem or responsibility.

What are some alternatives to "run away"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "flee", "escape", or "abscond". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is it ever correct to say "runned away" instead of "run away"?

No, "runned away" is grammatically incorrect. The past participle of "run" is "run", so the correct phrasing is "run away".

What is the difference between "run away from" and "run away with"?

"Run away from" implies escaping or avoiding something, while "run away with" often suggests eloping or stealing something. For example, "He ran away from his problems" versus "She ran away with the circus".