accumulates grime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accumulates grime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of dirt or filth building up on a surface over time. Example: "The old building, left unattended for years, accumulates grime that makes it look dilapidated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Accumulated dirt, grime, and grease will make removing bolts and disconnecting components a messy job.

WikiHow

Children cleaned anti-government graffiti, removed posters and washed sidewalks to remove weeks of accumulated grime.

The New York Times

The illustrations had become murky with 70 years of slowly accumulating grime.

The New York Times

But a look at all the peeling paint, water leaks, falling plaster and accumulated grime is enough to make one wonder where the maintenance money went.

The New York Times

When the team began working on the painting, they carefully cleaned it with distilled water to remove accumulated grime, deepening the colors of the blue layers and making the various nuances more visible.

The New York Times - Arts

"History, you can't beat our history," he hurtles on, turning to a particular point of pride, the Depression-era Workscattereds Administhrough murals scattered through Borough Hall, recently restored after years of accumulated grime.

The New York Times

While standing behind a tent in my cotton M&S briefs, wet wiping away two days of accumulated grime, I started to hum the Commodores: she's mighty mighty, just lettin' it all hang out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seven workers -- including Mr. Laufman's foster sons and their friends, whom he trained to dismantle organs -- started by removing the painted pipes on the organ's facade, now barely visible through years of accumulated grime.

The New York Times - Arts

The first time my mom, an art historian and Gothic architecture obsessive, took us to Paris's iconic cathedral, the front was covered in scaffolding, as workers were painstakingly removing years of accumulated grime, turning the brooding, dark gray stone so many shades lighter that it almost seemed white.

The Washington Post

She whined happily and came closer, pressing her trunk against my leg and rippling her body in that puppyish movement that communicates joy better than anything we can manage, so that I brought my other hand to her as well and scratched along both her sides, feeling bits of leaf and pine needles and accumulated grime.

The New Yorker

Ideally, wet cleaning treatments used to remove accumulated grime and soiling will leave minimal residues on the cleaned surfaces of works of art.

Heritage Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the slow deterioration of objects or surfaces, use "accumulates grime" to vividly depict the impact of time and neglect.

Common error

While "accumulates grime" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "gathers impurities" or "collects residue" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accumulates grime" functions as a verb phrase where the verb 'accumulates' describes the process of grime gradually building up on a surface. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accumulates grime" is used to describe the gradual build-up of dirt or filth. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While perfectly acceptable, consider the context and choose synonyms like "gathers grime" or "collects dirt" for greater precision in formal settings. Its function is primarily descriptive, often implying a lack of cleaning or maintenance. The register is generally neutral, fitting well in diverse writing styles. Due to the limited number of direct examples, its overall frequency is deemed 'Missing'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathers grime

Focuses on the action of collecting grime over time, similar to accumulating.

accumulates filth

Replaces "grime" with "filth" which is a harsher term for dirt.

collects dirt

A more general term, replacing 'grime' with 'dirt' to indicate any kind of uncleanliness.

builds up dirt

Emphasizes the gradual increase of dirt over a period.

accrues filth

Uses a more formal word, 'accrues', and replaces 'grime' with 'filth'.

acquires dirt

Suggests that dirt is being obtained over time.

develops a build-up of grime

Adds the concept of development to the build-up, suggesting a gradual process.

picks up dirt

Implies the surface actively collects dirt from its surroundings.

gathers impurities

Replaces 'grime' with 'impurities' which broadens the scope to non-dirt substances.

amasses dirt

Suggests a large quantity of dirt is collected over time.

FAQs

How can I use "accumulates grime" in a sentence?

You can use "accumulates grime" to describe the process of dirt or filth building up over time. For example: 'The old building, left unattended for years, "accumulates grime" that makes it look dilapidated.'

What can I say instead of "accumulates grime"?

You can use alternatives like "gathers grime", "collects dirt", or "builds up dirt" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "accumulates grime" or "accumulates dirt"?

"Accumulates grime" and "accumulates dirt" are both correct, though they have slightly different connotations. "Grime" suggests a dirtier, more ingrained type of filth, while "dirt" is more general.

What's the difference between "accumulates grime" and "gathers grime"?

The difference between "accumulates grime" and "gathers grime" is subtle. "Accumulates" suggests a slower, more gradual process, while "gathers" can imply a more active collection.