to elude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to elude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of escaping or avoiding something, such as a situation, person, or concept. Example: "The thief managed to elude the police by taking a series of back alleys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even the basics seem to elude her.

The New Yorker

But perfection continues to elude them.

The New York Times - Tech

Its relevance continues to elude me".

The New Yorker

Thus far, salvation has managed to elude us.

The New York Times

To elude the cameras, I stepped out of the mosque.

The New Yorker

But they have so far managed to elude capture.

The New York Times

But roles in recitals seemed to elude her.

The New York Times

The highest flights of patriotic enthusiasm tend to elude us.

The New Yorker

Acceptance by the art world continues to elude Vettriano.

Independent

People don't feel hurt.That seems to elude Mr Trittin.

The Economist

But she was at pains to elude definition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts or ideas that are difficult to grasp, use "to elude" to convey that understanding is not easily achieved. For example: "The solution to this complex problem continues "to elude" researchers."

Common error

Avoid using "to elude" when a simpler term like "to avoid" or "to escape" suffices. "To elude" often implies a degree of cunning or skill in escaping, so ensure your context warrants this connotation.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to elude" primarily functions as a verb modifier, often serving to express the act of avoiding, escaping, or failing to be understood. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to elude" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that signifies the act of escaping or avoiding something, often with a degree of skill or cunning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and formal writing. While alternatives like "to evade" or "to escape" exist, "to elude" carries a specific nuance that emphasizes a deliberate effort to avoid detection or comprehension. Therefore, understanding its precise meaning and appropriate contexts is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to evade

Focuses on skillfully avoiding something, often with a sense of cleverness.

to escape

Emphasizes breaking free from confinement or danger.

to avoid

Highlights preventing an encounter or situation from occurring.

to dodge

Implies a quick, evasive movement to avoid impact or confrontation.

to circumvent

Suggests finding a way around an obstacle or rule.

to sidestep

Indicates moving to the side to avoid a direct confrontation or issue.

to shake off

Implies getting rid of something or someone that is pursuing or clinging.

to give the slip

Means to secretly escape from someone who is watching or following you.

to remain undetected

Stresses the ability to not be noticed or discovered.

to escape detection

Highlights avoiding being noticed or discovered.

FAQs

How can I use "to elude" in a sentence?

"To elude" is often used to describe escaping or avoiding something cleverly or skillfully. For example, "The suspect managed "to elude" capture by hiding in the crowd".

What are some alternatives to "to elude"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to evade", "to escape", or "to avoid".

Is it correct to say "to elude capture"?

Yes, "to elude capture" is a common and correct usage of the phrase, meaning to avoid being caught.

What is the difference between "to elude" and "to avoid"?

"To avoid" is a general term for keeping away from something. "To elude" implies a more deliberate and skillful effort to escape or avoid something, often suggesting cunning or trickery.