run away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run away from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone fleeing from a dangerous or uncomfortable situation, for example: The frightened child ran away from the angry dog.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Or run away from them.

The New York Times

We cannot run away from that".

The New York Times

They did not "run away" from responsibility.

The New Yorker

She decides to run away from home.

The New Yorker

Why did she run away from me?

The New Yorker

You can't run away from yourself.

The New York Times - Arts

You run away from your man?

The New Yorker

I cannot run away from myself.

The New York Times

He did not run away from home.

The New Yorker

Run away from The Grey".

The Guardian - Film

They run away from it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run away from", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided and why. The phrase often implies a negative or undesirable situation.

Common error

Avoid using "run away from" in contexts where a more nuanced or subtle form of avoidance is intended. For instance, instead of saying "They ran away from the problem," consider "They avoided addressing the problem directly" if the avoidance wasn't a literal escape.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run away from" functions primarily as a phrasal verb acting as a predicate within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of fleeing or avoiding something, either physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of avoiding or escaping something, whether physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase typically carries a neutral tone, its specific connotation depends heavily on the context in which it's used. Be mindful of the situation to ensure that "run away from" appropriately conveys the intended meaning of avoidance or escape. Consider alternatives like ""escape from"" or ""evade"" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escape from

This alternative directly implies escaping or fleeing a situation or person.

flee from

This alternative emphasizes a rapid or hurried departure from danger or something unpleasant.

get away from

This alternative is more informal and suggests physically distancing oneself from someone or something.

avoid

This alternative is less dramatic and more general, indicating a desire to not encounter something.

shy away from

This alternative suggests avoiding something due to timidity or reluctance.

evade

This alternative suggests skillfully avoiding something, often with a sense of cunning or strategy.

retreat from

This alternative implies withdrawing from a confrontation or challenging situation.

distance oneself from

This alternative implies a more deliberate and often emotional or ideological separation.

withdraw from

This alternative means to remove oneself from participation or involvement in something.

turn away from

This alternative suggests a rejection or abandonment of something, often with a moral or ethical implication.

FAQs

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

You can use "run away from" to describe physically escaping something or metaphorically avoiding a situation. For example, "The cat ran away from the dog" or "She tried to run away from her responsibilities".

What's a more formal alternative to "run away from"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "escape from" or "evade", which carry a similar meaning but sound more sophisticated.

Is it always negative to "run away from" something?

While "run away from" often implies avoiding something negative, it can also describe escaping a situation that simply isn't right for someone. It depends on the context.

What's the difference between "shy away from" and "run away from"?

"Shy away from" suggests reluctance or hesitation, while "run away from" implies a more decisive and often immediate act of avoidance.