trying to escape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to escape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort or attempt to get away from a situation, place, or person. Example: "The cat was trying to escape from the open window, eager to explore the outside world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two died trying to escape.

The New York Times

"Trying to escape," one said.

The New Yorker

"I'm trying to escape terrorism".

The New Yorker

"Each died awake," trying to escape.

The New York Times

This guy is trying to escape here.

Cornell University

And it's no use trying to escape.

The New York Times

"I think they'd been trying to escape".

The Guardian

Everyone is trying to escape the rain.

The Washington Post

I was trying to escape chaos.

The New York Times

Perhaps Checkers was trying to escape.

The Washington Post

Another, also 17, drowned trying to escape.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trying to escape" to clearly convey an active attempt to get away from a dangerous or undesirable situation. Ensure the context makes it clear from what or whom the subject is attempting to escape.

Common error

Avoid using "trying to escape" when a less drastic action is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "trying to escape the conversation", consider "trying to exit the conversation" if the situation isn't particularly urgent or negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to escape" functions as a gerund phrase. It often appears as part of a verb phrase, describing an ongoing action. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts from fleeing danger to abstract concepts like escaping chaos.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to escape" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe an ongoing effort to get away from an undesirable situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and informal conversation. While alternatives like "attempting to flee" or "seeking to break free" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and consider whether a less dramatic alternative might be more appropriate. The phrase benefits from strong source authority, as seen in the numerous examples from reputable news outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to flee

Focuses on the action of fleeing, suggesting a more immediate and active escape.

seeking to break free

Emphasizes the desire for freedom and independence.

aiming to get away

Highlights the intention and direction of the escape attempt.

endeavoring to evade

Implies a more strategic and planned attempt to avoid something.

striving for liberation

Suggests a determined and possibly prolonged effort to achieve freedom.

working to break loose

Highlights physical effort and struggle in escaping.

looking to abscond

Indicates a secretive and often unlawful departure.

planning to bolt

Suggests a sudden and abrupt departure.

contemplating flight

Implies a thoughtful consideration of escaping.

yearning for release

Focuses on the emotional desire for freedom and escape.

FAQs

How can I use "trying to escape" in a sentence?

You can use "trying to escape" to describe someone or something actively attempting to get away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. For example, "The prisoner was "attempting to flee" from the jail" or "The refugees were "seeking to break free" from the war-torn country".

What are some alternatives to "trying to escape"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attempting to flee", "seeking to break free", or "aiming to get away".

Is there a difference between "trying to escape" and "planning to escape"?

"Trying to escape" suggests an active attempt in progress, while "planning to escape" indicates the formation of a strategy but not necessarily immediate action. The first focuses on the execution, while the second focuses on the intent.

When is it appropriate to use "trying to escape" instead of a less dramatic phrase?

Use "trying to escape" when the situation involves genuine danger, urgency, or a strong desire to avoid something negative. If the situation is less serious, a phrase like "trying to avoid" or "trying to leave" may be more appropriate.