sprint away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sprint away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it typically describes the act of running quickly or with great speed in a specific direction. Example: "As soon as the gunshot went off, the athletes began to sprint away from the starting line towards the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Everyone (me included) was forced to sprint away.

The Guardian

A short sprint away, one man chewed off another man's face.

The New York Times

At least the clubhouse is just a quick sprint away for baseball players.

The New York Times - Sports

Boston would chase the Yankees, and the Yankees would try to sprint away.

The New York Times - Sports

I sprint away through the cave complex, looking around for a way out as the floor crumbles underfoot.

Independent

He took the win with an imperious sprint away from his remaining breakaway companion in the final few hundred metres.

The Guardian - Sport

As he got older, he and his friends liked to light firecrackers, stick them in water-buffalo dung, and then sprint away.

The New Yorker

You haven't been sending love poetry again, have you?" Usually, this is the bloke's cue to sprint away faster than you can say Linford Christie.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

She sniffed once and sprinted away.

The New York Times

A young guy docks a bike and sprints away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As Rooney sprints away what must he be thinking?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sprint away" to vividly describe a rapid departure, especially when emphasizing speed and a specific direction. It adds more action and imagery than simply saying "run away".

Common error

Avoid using "sprint away" in overly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "quickly leave" or "depart rapidly" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sprint away" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes an action of quickly running or escaping, often emphasizing the speed and urgency of the departure. Examples show it used to describe fleeing from danger or competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "sprint away" effectively describes a rapid and decisive departure, emphasizing speed and urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English across various contexts. While grammatically sound, it's more suited for informal or narrative writing than highly formal contexts. Common in news and media, its descriptive power adds vividness to portrayals of fleeing or competition. Alternatives such as "dash off" or "bolt off" offer subtle variations in meaning. Use "sprint away" to create a dynamic image of quick escape, but consider the formality of your writing and whether a more neutral term might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bolt off

Suggests a sudden and rapid escape, often due to fear or surprise.

shoot off

Conveys a sense of speed and directness in departing.

dart away

Indicates a swift and nimble movement, like a small animal.

dash off

Implies a quick departure, often without much planning or notice.

scamper off

Indicates a quick and light-footed movement, often used for small animals or children.

run off

A more general term for leaving quickly, potentially to escape a situation.

hurry away

Highlights the need for speed and haste in leaving.

flee

Emphasizes escaping from danger or a negative situation.

escape

Focuses on getting away from a confining or threatening environment.

take off

Suggests a fast and often upward movement, like an aircraft.

FAQs

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

You can use "sprint away" to describe someone or something quickly moving in a specific direction. For instance, "The suspect tried to sprint away from the police".

What's a good alternative to "sprint away"?

Alternatives include "dash off", "bolt off", or "dart away", each carrying slightly different connotations of speed and urgency.

Is "sprint away" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sprint away" is more suited for informal or narrative contexts. Formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "depart rapidly" or "quickly retreat".

Which is more descriptive, "run away" or "sprint away"?

"Sprint away" is more descriptive because it emphasizes the speed and intensity of the movement compared to the more general term "run away".