try to flee

USAGE SUMMARY

'try to flee' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone has taken or is taking evasive action. For example: "The children were scared, so they tried to flee from the noise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Slade did not try to flee.

The New York Times

We did not try to flee.

The Washington Post

Some of the militants try to flee the building.

The Guardian

But while war and poverty remain around the world, people will try to flee.

Independent

But with shelling during the night, residents took advantage of daylight to try to flee.

The New York Times

In their defense, these neighbors said, the men did not try to flee or hide.

The New York Times

On the Mexican coast, residents were scrambling into buses and cars to try to flee inland.

The Guardian

Even if they are later offered clear escape routes, they don't bother to try to flee.

The Guardian

Their choice is to undertake compulsory national service, or try to flee.

The Guardian

Try to flee Christmas and it will find some way to reel you back on a tinsel-wrapped hook.

Independent

Ms. Foxe jumped into Washington's Tidal Basin to try to flee the scene, and Mr. Mills soon left Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to flee" when describing a physical action taken to escape a dangerous or high-pressure situation. It is particularly effective in narrative and journalistic writing to convey a sense of urgency.

Common error

While "flee" and "fly" are etymologically related, avoid using "try to fly" when you mean "try to flee" unless the subject is actually taking to the air. "Flee" is specific to escaping from danger, whereas "fly" focuses on the method of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to flee" functions as a verb phrase composed of the verb "try" followed by the infinitive "to flee". It acts as the predicate or part of a predicate in a sentence, describing the subject's effort to perform the action of escaping. According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard construction used to indicate evasive action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to flee" is a highly effective and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the attempt to escape from danger or undesirable circumstances. Data from Ludwig shows that it is exceptionally common in high-authority news publications, making it a reliable choice for both narrative and report-style writing. While synonyms like "attempt to escape" offer a more formal tone, "try to flee" remains the most versatile option for conveying urgency and intent. Writers should ensure they use the "to" infinitive rather than the colloquial "and" to maintain professional standards in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to escape

More clinical and formal than the query, often used in legal or official reports

try to run away

More common in informal or everyday speech, often used when referring to children or animals

seek to evade

Focuses on the intent to avoid capture or contact rather than just the act of running

strive to get away

Suggests a high level of effort or struggle involved in the escape

make a break for it

An idiomatic and more dramatic way to describe a sudden dash for freedom

struggle to break free

Emphasizes the physical or emotional difficulty of leaving a restrictive situation

endeavor to bolt

Very formal and slightly archaic, implying a sudden, fast movement

set out to retreat

Implies a more organized or strategic movement away from a threat

aim to abscond

Implies running away secretly, often to avoid legal prosecution or debt

want to skip out

Informal and often refers to leaving a place to avoid a responsibility or bill

FAQs

How do I use "try to flee" in a sentence?

You can use "try to flee" to describe someone attempting to leave a dangerous scene, such as, "The witnesses watched the suspect "try to flee" the building before the police arrived."

What is the difference between "try to flee" and "try to escape"?

The phrase "try to flee" often implies a sudden, hurried movement away from an immediate threat, while "try to escape" can refer to a more planned or long-term removal from a restrictive situation.

Is "try and flee" better than "try to flee"?

No, "try and flee" is considered more colloquial and is generally avoided in formal writing. "try to flee" is the grammatically standard version.

When should I use "attempt to flee" instead?

You should use "attempt to flee" in formal reports, academic papers, or legal contexts where a more objective and professional tone is required.