Fade away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Fade away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something gradually disappearing or becoming less noticeable over time. Example: "As the sun set, the colors of the sky began to fade away, leaving a soft twilight behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fade away quickly.

The New Yorker

Or fade away.

The New York Times

Otherwise, they'll fade away".

The New York Times

Otherwise NATO will fade away.

The Economist

Some loves never fade away.

The New York Times - Arts

"They just fade away".

The New York Times

"Poets don't fade away.

The New York Times - Arts

Many just fade away.

The New York Times - Food

He would just fade away.

The New Yorker

It won't fade away.

The New Yorker

— that would soon fade away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Fade away" to describe processes or states that diminish gradually over time, like memories, sounds, or influence. For instance, "The applause began to fade away as the performer left the stage."

Common error

Avoid using "Fade away" to describe sudden or abrupt disappearances. Instead, use terms like "vanish" or "disappear" for situations where something vanishes quickly without a gradual decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "Fade away" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating a process of gradual disappearance or weakening. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it describing the diminishing of sounds, memories, and even political influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Fade away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the gradual disappearance or weakening of something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for various writing styles, being mindful of the gradual nature it implies is key to avoiding misuse. Related phrases, such as "disappear gradually" or "slowly vanish", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disappear gradually

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the disappearance.

Slowly vanish

Focuses on the slowness of the vanishing process.

Wane

Implies a decrease in strength or intensity over time.

Ebb

Suggests a receding or flowing away.

Subside

Indicates a reduction in intensity or prominence.

Diminish

Highlights a decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

Dissipate

Implies a scattering or dissolving, leading to disappearance.

Decline

Focuses on a gradual decrease in quality or importance.

Dwindle

Suggests a gradual reduction in number or amount.

Melt away

Emphasizes the gentle and often unnoticed disappearance.

FAQs

How can I use "Fade away" in a sentence?

"Fade away" describes something gradually disappearing. For example, "The pain will "fade away" over time" or "Hopes of finding survivors began to "fade away".

What does "Fade away" mean?

The phrase "Fade away" means to gradually disappear or become less noticeable. It suggests a slow process of diminishing.

What can I say instead of "Fade away"?

Alternatives to "Fade away" include "disappear gradually", "slowly vanish", or "wane", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "Fade away" in formal writing?

Yes, "Fade away" is appropriate for various contexts, including formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "diminish" or "subside" for a more formal tone if needed.