to flee

USAGE SUMMARY

"to flee" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the act of running away or escaping from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. Example: The brave knight rode into the dragon's lair, only to quickly realize he was no match for the fierce creature. With no other option, he turned and began to flee, hoping to make it out alive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to flee.

The New York Times

He had to flee.

The New York Times

He turned to flee.

The New York Times

She wanted to flee.

The New Yorker

Foreign capital began to flee.

The Economist

I just wanted to flee.

The Economist

Afterwards, I had to flee.

The Guardian

Batista's soldiers started to flee.

The New Yorker

To flee: Foreigners in Egypt.

The New Yorker

She decided to flee Taiwan.

Independent

"We were forced to flee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to flee", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is escaping from. The phrase often implies a sense of urgency or danger.

Common error

While "to flee" is widely accepted, using more descriptive verbs like "evacuate" or "escape" may be appropriate for formal or academic writing depending on the level of urgency and the environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to flee" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, typically used as part of a verb construction to describe the act of running away from a dangerous or undesirable situation, often involving urgency or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to flee" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the act of running away from a dangerous or undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its usage often implies a sense of urgency or danger. When writing, consider whether more formal alternatives like "to evacuate" or "to escape" might be more appropriate depending on the situation. The frequent appearance of "to flee" in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist highlights its consistent and reliable use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to escape

This alternative describes the act of getting away from danger or confinement.

to run away

This alternative emphasizes the act of physically leaving a place or situation.

to take flight

This alternative suggests a more sudden and urgent departure.

to make off

This alternative implies a quick and often secretive departure.

to abscond

This alternative suggests a hurried departure, typically to avoid detection or legal repercussions.

to bolt

This alternative implies a sudden and impulsive escape.

to decamp

This alternative describes the act of suddenly leaving a campsite or temporary residence.

to break away

This alternative suggests escaping from a controlling force or situation.

to slip away

This alternative implies a discreet and unnoticed departure.

to get away

This alternative is a general term for escaping a difficult or dangerous situation.

FAQs

How do you use "to flee" in a sentence?

You can use "to flee" to describe escaping a dangerous situation. For example, "They had no choice but "to flee" the war-torn country".

What is a more formal alternative to "to flee"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "to evacuate" or "to escape". These options often suit professional or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "flee from" instead of "to flee"?

While "flee from" is acceptable, "to flee" followed by the object of escape is more concise and common. For instance, "to flee the country" is preferred over "flee from the country".

What's the difference between "to flee" and "to evade"?

"To flee" generally implies escaping a physical danger or location, while "to evade" suggests avoiding something, often a responsibility or pursuer. For example, you might "flee a burning building" but "evade taxes".