went into hiding

USAGE SUMMARY

"went into hiding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person being concealed from someone or something. For example: After the police accused him of a crime, the suspect went into hiding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I went into hiding".

The New York Times

Gill went into hiding.

The New Yorker

He went into hiding.

The New Yorker

Others went into hiding.

The New York Times

The teenager said he went into hiding.

The New York Times

But Frank Conlon eventually went into hiding.

The New Yorker

This time, she went into hiding.

The New York Times

Governor Sharif went into hiding.

The New York Times

She subsequently went into hiding.

The Guardian - Tech

The rest went into hiding.

The New Yorker

He then went into hiding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went into hiding" when the subject actively seeks to avoid detection or capture, especially after a significant event or threat. For example, "After the scandal, the CEO went into hiding to avoid media scrutiny".

Common error

Avoid using "went into hiding" when the subject's disappearance is involuntary. For example, "He went missing" is more appropriate than "He went into hiding" if his whereabouts are unknown and not self-imposed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went into hiding" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken by someone to conceal themselves. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to describe the act of deliberately making oneself difficult to find, often to avoid danger or detection. For example, "After the scandal, he went into hiding".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went into hiding" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of intentionally concealing oneself to avoid detection, capture, or other undesirable outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic sources, the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "sought refuge" or "took cover" exist, "went into hiding" effectively conveys the deliberate nature of the concealment. A key consideration is to avoid using it when the disappearance is involuntary, ensuring accurate and contextually appropriate language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought refuge

Emphasizes finding a safe place, suggesting a need for protection.

took cover

Suggests a temporary retreat, often in response to immediate danger.

fled to safety

Stresses the act of running away to a secure location.

disappeared from view

Focuses on the act of vanishing, with less emphasis on the reason.

withdrew from sight

Implies a deliberate removal from observation.

took flight

Focuses on a sudden escape from a dangerous or undesirable situation.

remained secluded

Highlights a state of being apart from others, often continuously.

gone underground

Suggests joining a hidden or secret organization or movement.

operated clandestinely

Indicates secret or covert actions, often for a specific purpose.

lived in secrecy

Highlights the condition of keeping something secret, and maintaining privacy.

FAQs

How can I use "went into hiding" in a sentence?

Use "went into hiding" to describe someone who has deliberately concealed themselves to avoid detection or capture. For example, "The suspect "went into hiding" after the crime was committed".

What's the difference between "went into hiding" and "disappeared"?

"Went into hiding" implies a deliberate act of concealment, while "disappeared" suggests an unknown or involuntary vanishing. Someone who "went into hiding" is actively trying to avoid being found, whereas someone who disappeared may have been kidnapped, or simply left without notice.

What can I say instead of "went into hiding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sought refuge", "took cover", or "remained secluded".

Is "went into hiding" formal or informal?

"Went into hiding" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.