speeding away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speeding away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something moving quickly away from a location. Example: "As the car sped away from the scene, the witnesses could only watch in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One driver was speeding away in reverse.

The New York Times

"This is crazy," he said, speeding away.

The New York Times

Surveillance video showed the suspect's vehicle speeding away.

The New York Times

Police said three men on two motorcycles were seen speeding away.

Independent

Two space probes, now speeding away into the interstellar void, are not behaving as they should.

The Economist

The vehicle then mounted a central reservation and hit the officer, before speeding away.

Independent

On the video, the S.U.V. is seen speeding away, only to be overtaken again.

The New York Times

Couples on motorbikes were speeding away with sacks of stolen goods.

The New York Times

("Speak My Language") "And as our instruments become more sophisticated, we can hear them even better... speeding away... the sound of speeding away... like a phone continuously ringing".

The New Yorker

Windfarms are trouble, and Mr Huhne has always been good at speeding away from trouble.

The Guardian

2. The explosion sends bolt pieces speeding away from one another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speeding away" to vividly describe a rapid departure, especially when emphasizing the speed and sometimes the abruptness of the action. It's suitable for both literal movement (like a car) and figurative situations (like an opportunity).

Common error

Avoid using "speeding away" in situations where the departure is intended to be discreet or unnoticed. The phrase carries a connotation of haste and possible urgency, which might not be appropriate for all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speeding away" functions as a dynamic descriptor, adding vivid imagery to the act of departing. It is primarily used as a gerund or participle phrase modifying a noun or verb to indicate the manner of movement or departure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speeding away" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a rapid departure. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While adaptable across contexts, writers should consider its connotation of urgency and haste to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives like "racing off" or "dashing off" may offer subtle differences in emphasis. Its frequency and broad applicability make "speeding away" a valuable and versatile phrase in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hastening away

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of leaving.

rushing away

Highlights the hurried nature of the departure.

darting off

Implies a sudden and quick movement, often to avoid detection.

bolting away

Suggests a panicked or frightened escape.

fleeing the scene

Specifically indicates leaving a place, often due to guilt or fear.

making a quick exit

A more formal way of saying someone left rapidly.

taking off

A casual way to describe a quick departure.

vanishing quickly

Emphasizes the sudden disappearance of someone or something.

escaping rapidly

Focuses on the act of getting away from a dangerous situation quickly.

skedaddling

An informal term for leaving quickly and unceremoniously.

FAQs

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

You can use "speeding away" to describe a vehicle or person leaving quickly, for example, "The car was speeding away from the bank after the robbery."

What are some alternatives to "speeding away"?

Some alternatives include "racing off", "zooming away", or "dashing off", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "speeding away" in formal writing?

While "speeding away" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, a more neutral phrase like "departing rapidly" might be preferable.

What does "speeding away" imply about the situation?

"Speeding away" often implies a sense of urgency, haste, or possibly an attempt to escape or avoid something. It suggests the action is done quickly and deliberately.