running away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of fleeing or escaping from a person, situation, or responsibility. Example: "He was running away from his problems instead of facing them head-on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Running away from field.

The New York Times

Running away from us.

The Guardian

We are running away from the beauty".

The New York Times

"He is running away from tribal violence.

Independent

Instead, he is running away from it.

The New York Times

They're running away from other people.

The Economist

I was running away from people.

The New York Times

But events are running away from him.

The Economist

Nor are they running away from anything.

The Economist

He was running away from them".

The New York Times

He was running away from home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running away from" to depict both physical and metaphorical escapes. Ensure the context clarifies whether it's a literal flight or avoidance of responsibility, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Common error

While acceptable, "running away from" might sound too informal in academic or business writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "evading" or "retreating from" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running away from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner of an action, indicating an escape or avoidance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running away from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe both literal and figurative escapes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "evading" or "retreating from" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts. Remember to use "running away from" accurately to convey the intended meaning of avoidance or escape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeing from

Focuses on the act of escaping danger or something unpleasant, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

escaping from

Implies a successful avoidance of something, often a difficult situation or confinement.

avoiding

Suggests a deliberate effort to stay away from something, often a responsibility or confrontation.

evading

Implies skill or cunning in avoiding something, often detection or capture.

shying away from

Suggests a hesitance or reluctance to approach something, often due to fear or discomfort.

retreating from

Indicates a withdrawal from a position or situation, often due to pressure or threat.

backing away from

Implies a gradual withdrawal from a commitment or involvement.

distancing oneself from

Highlights the act of creating emotional or physical separation from something.

getting out of

Suggests extricating oneself from an obligation or agreement.

turning one's back on

Emphasizes a deliberate rejection or abandonment of something.

FAQs

What does "running away from" mean?

The phrase "running away from" typically means to escape or avoid something, whether it's a physical place, a person, a situation, or a responsibility. It implies an attempt to distance oneself from something perceived as unpleasant or threatening.

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

You can use "running away from" to describe various scenarios. For instance, "He was "running away from" the police" (literal escape) or "She was "running away from" her problems" (metaphorical avoidance).

What are some alternatives to "running away from"?

Alternatives to "running away from" include "escaping from", "fleeing from", "avoiding", or "evading", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "running away from" appropriate in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "running away from" might be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "retreating from" or "distancing oneself from" in academic or professional settings.