run for your life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run for your life" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in situations where someone is in danger and needs to escape quickly. Example: "When the bear appeared in the campsite, we had no choice but to run for our life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You run for your life".

The New Yorker

Like run for your life.

The New York Times - Sports

"Run for your life!" Pen screamed.

The New Yorker

"I was just saying to myself, 'Run for your life, run for your life,"' she said.

The New York Times - Sports

A dangerous odor sent the helpful message: run for your life.

The New York Times

The message to the rest of the National League: run for your life, if you can.

The New York Times - Sports

In the ghetto, no matter what color you are, you're gonna run for your life".

The New Yorker

But if you stumble across a black bear, you must run for your life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's not a run-for-your-life kind of thing," said the Flathead County undersheriff, Chuck Curry, who was assisting with the evacuation.

The New York Times

Like Adr1ft, it seems more of a cerebral puzzler than a run-for-your-life affair.

Vice

15 1 *RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, by Andrea Kane.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run for your life" to create a sense of urgency and danger in your writing. It's most effective when describing situations where immediate escape is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "run for your life" in situations that are not genuinely dangerous. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider less intense alternatives like "leave", "escape", or "hurry" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run for your life" functions as an imperative, urging immediate action in response to a perceived or actual threat. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run for your life" is an imperative used to urge immediate escape from danger. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, its impact is highly dependent on the situation it describes. Alternatives like "flee for your life" or "escape for your life" can be considered depending on the desired level of intensity. Overuse in non-threatening scenarios should be avoided to maintain its impact. Always consider the context to ensure the phrase appropriately conveys the intended sense of urgency and danger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flee for your life

Emphasizes a more desperate and urgent escape from immediate danger.

escape for your life

Focuses on the act of getting away from a dangerous situation, highlighting the need to break free.

scram for your life

Implies a hurried and somewhat disorganized escape.

dash for your life

Suggests a quick, sudden movement to get out of harm's way.

bolt for your life

Conveys a rapid and abrupt movement to escape danger, similar to a startled animal.

sprint for your life

Emphasizes the act of running as fast as possible to avoid a threat.

take flight for your life

A more formal and literary way of saying 'run for your life', implying a swift departure.

make a run for it

Suggests an attempt to escape, often involving risk.

get out of there

A more general expression of needing to leave a dangerous place quickly.

save yourself

Focuses on self-preservation in a dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "run for your life" in a sentence?

Use "run for your life" to describe a situation where someone needs to escape immediately from danger. For instance, "When the fire alarm went off, everyone had to run for their life".

What's a less dramatic way to say "run for your life"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "escape", "flee", or simply "leave". The best choice depends on the level of urgency you want to convey.

Is "run for your life" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "run for your life" is generally more suited for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider more subdued alternatives that still convey urgency.

Are there any common misinterpretations of "run for your life"?

The phrase is generally well-understood, but be mindful of using it in contexts where the danger isn't clear, as it can come across as exaggerated or confusing. Make sure the threat is evident to the reader or listener.