without being caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without being caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken secretly or without detection. Example: "He managed to leave the party without being caught by his parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He had 15 steals without being caught.

The New York Times

He stole six bases in the postseason without being caught.

The New York Times - Sports

He had also stolen nine bases without being caught.

The New York Times

It was unclear if he had made his connection without being caught.

The New York Times

Players try to get from A to B without being caught by lurching zombies.

The Guardian

Twitter fans face a hurdle: Can you use it at work without being caught?

The New York Times

He had four steals in his first five games without being caught.

The New York Times

I responded that we would never make it that far without being caught.

The New York Times

They filmed themselves using the display furniture overnight and finally left the store without being caught.

The Guardian - Business

The athletes sought a new way to gain endurance-boosting red blood cells without being caught, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"At that time," he says, "thousands of Tibetans were escaping to Nepal every year without being caught.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without being caught" to describe actions where secrecy or avoiding negative consequences is important. For example, "He managed to sneak a cookie from the jar "without being caught" by his mother."

Common error

Avoid using "without being caught" when an active construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He tried to cheat "without being caught"," consider "He tried to cheat without anyone noticing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without being caught" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It describes the condition under which an action occurs, specifically, the act of doing something while avoiding detection or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without being caught" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed while avoiding detection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, aim to use this phrase to add a layer of stealth or secrecy to the action described. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "without detection" or "undetected". Remember to avoid using it when an active voice would be more appropriate for clarity. The phrase's high frequency suggests that it’s a natural and well-understood part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding detection

Similar meaning but places emphasis on the proactive effort to not be found.

without detection

Highlights the lack of discovery, whereas the original phrase emphasizes the action of avoiding being caught.

evading capture

Emphasizes the act of escaping being captured, unlike the broader sense of the original phrase.

undetected

Focuses on the state of not being discovered, differing from the process of avoiding capture.

under the radar

An idiomatic expression implying inconspicuousness, differing in tone from the original.

unapprehended

A more formal term indicating not having been arrested or caught, unlike the everyday language of the original.

scot-free

An idiom implying escaping punishment or consequences, adding a layer of outcome to the evasion.

unobserved

Similar to unnoticed, but emphasizes the act of watching or observing.

unnoticed

Indicates a lack of attention rather than active evasion.

remaining at large

Refers specifically to criminals who have not been caught and are free.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without being caught" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "without detection" or "undetected". These options convey a similar meaning with a more elevated vocabulary.

What is a common mistake to avoid when using the phrase "without being caught"?

A common mistake is using this phrase when an active voice construction would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying "The mistake went unnoticed "without being caught"," it's better to say "No one noticed the mistake."

How does "without being caught" differ from "without getting caught"?

The phrases are nearly interchangeable, but "without being caught" is slightly more formal and often implies a greater degree of intent or strategy in avoiding capture. "Without getting caught" might suggest more accidental avoidance.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "without being caught"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where someone is intentionally trying to avoid being discovered or apprehended, such as in scenarios involving sneaking, espionage, or evading rules. It suggests a deliberate effort to remain unseen or unacknowledged.