sped away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sped away' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe quickly leaving or departing from a certain place. Example: The car sped away from the scene before the police could arrive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The suspects sped away.

The New York Times

The BMW sped away.

The New York Times

The van sped away.

The New York Times

The Mercedes sped away.

The New York Times

He just sped away.

The New York Times

They sped away.

The New Yorker

The vehicle then sped away.

The New York Times

The police car sped away.

The New Yorker

Tires screeching, he sped away.

The New York Times

The assailant sped away.

The New York Times

The pirates sped away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sped away" when you want to emphasize the speed and suddenness of someone or something leaving a place.

Common error

Avoid using "sped away" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "departed rapidly" or "exited swiftly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sped away" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a verb followed by an adverbial particle. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, acting as the predicate in a clause, describing the action of rapid departure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sped away" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrasal verb that describes a rapid departure. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to convey the speed and suddenness of an action, most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it may be less appropriate for highly formal writing, where more precise alternatives are preferable. Alternatives such as "raced off" or "darted away" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtleties can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raced off

Emphasizes speed and competition in the departure.

darted away

Suggests a sudden and quick movement, often implying evasion.

bolted off

Implies a sudden and energetic escape, usually from fear or surprise.

whizzed off

Suggests a high-speed departure, often with a sense of excitement or recklessness.

shot away

Emphasizes the speed and directness of the departure, like a projectile.

took off

A more general term for departing quickly, less focused on speed.

hurried off

Indicates a quick departure due to urgency or haste.

fled the scene

Emphasizes escaping a place, usually due to danger or guilt.

made off

Implies a secretive or illicit departure, often with stolen goods.

cleared off

A less formal term for leaving quickly, often to avoid something unpleasant.

FAQs

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

You can use "sped away" to describe a vehicle or person leaving quickly, for example: "The getaway car "sped away" after the robbery".

What are some alternatives to "sped away"?

Alternatives to "sped away" include "raced off", "darted away", or "bolted off", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sped away" formal or informal?

"Sped away" is generally considered to be informal or neutral. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "departed rapidly" or "exited swiftly".

What does "sped away" imply about the departure?

"Sped away" implies that the departure was not only quick but also sudden and potentially unexpected. It often suggests a sense of urgency or haste.