blinking out of existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blinking out of existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that suddenly disappears or ceases to exist, often in a dramatic or fantastical context. Example: "As the final notes of the song faded away, the figure on stage seemed to be blinking out of existence, leaving the audience in stunned silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Unknown

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Blinking out of existence would have been bad, but spending eternity staring at the lid of a coffin seemed much, much worse.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But having witnessed firsthand the timber industry's brutal decline here on the rainy Olympic Peninsula, as the mills that once lined the Hoquiam River blinked out of existence, many say they are not about to bet it all, either.

The New York Times

When he resigned as president of the Republic of Vietnam -- the country he had ruled for 10 years, until it blinked out of existence with the end of the Vietnam War on April 30 , 1975-- Thieu, in a tear-filled television broadcast, said: "Over the past 10 years, all years, months, days and hours in my life have been bad, as my horoscope forecast.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thoora's website, Android tablet app, WordPress plugin, and all user data will be blinked out of existence on December 15th.

TechCrunch

Physicists hope such collisions will yield a bizarre type of matter that blinked out of existence a millionth of a second after the universe was born.

Science Magazine

This coincidentally corresponded with the moment one of the most famous symbols for the American Dream blinked out of existence.

Huffington Post

Any one of those politicians saw their political careers either suffer a slow and agonizing death or simply blink out of existence the moment these gaffes occurred.

Huffington Post

We're already starting to see countless MMOs blink out of existence, quietly shutting down and taking years of work with them.

Vice

Also worthy of recognition are the many foundations, sponsors and individuals who have donated time, resources and money in order to make sure that this species does not blink out of existence on our watch.

Huffington Post

DF: If particles blink into and out of existence, could the whole universe blink out of existence?

Huffington Post

Not only does it trace humanity from "The Dawn of Man" to the space age and beyond, blinking out thousands of years of painstaking evolution in a single edit: it also deals with the limits of human understanding and attempts to represent states of existence that lie outside those limits.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blinking out of existence" to create a vivid image of something disappearing suddenly and completely, especially in contexts where a sense of wonder or disbelief is desired. This phrase is more impactful when describing abstract concepts or entities rather than concrete objects.

Common error

Avoid using "blinking out of existence" in formal or technical writing where precision and neutrality are paramount. Opt for more straightforward terms like "disappearing" or "ceasing to exist" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blinking out of existence" functions as a descriptive idiom, often used to depict a sudden and complete disappearance. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and lends itself to vivid, imaginative contexts. Examples show its use in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blinking out of existence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to vividly describe something vanishing suddenly and completely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts, often found in news and media. While not ideal for highly formal or technical writing, its descriptive power makes it effective for creating a sense of wonder or disbelief. Alternative phrases include "vanishing from sight" and "disappearing without a trace", depending on the desired nuance. A key best practice is to use this phrase to depict abstract or less concrete vanishing acts, since that will better amplify the figure of speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Popping out of existence

Similar to blinking, suggesting a quick and sudden disappearance.

Disappearing without a trace

Highlights the complete lack of evidence after something vanishes.

Vanishing from sight

Focuses on the visual aspect of disappearing; less emphasis on ceasing to exist.

Ceasing to exist abruptly

More formal and directly states the end of existence.

Dissipating into thin air

Suggests a gradual dispersal and disappearance.

Fading into oblivion

Emphasizes a gradual disappearance into a state of nothingness.

Dematerializing

Implies a change in physical form leading to disappearance, often used in science fiction.

Being wiped from the face of the earth

Indicates a complete and often forceful removal from existence.

Becoming extinct

Specifically refers to the end of a species or other group.

Being annihilated

Implies complete destruction and obliteration.

FAQs

How can I use "blinking out of existence" in a sentence?

You can use "blinking out of existence" to describe something disappearing suddenly and completely. For example: "As the illusion faded, the magical creature was "blinking out of existence"."

What's a more formal way to say "blinking out of existence"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is "ceasing to exist" or "disappearing without a trace". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic writing.

What does "blinking out of existence" imply?

"Blinking out of existence" suggests a sudden and often unexpected disappearance, similar to how something might vanish in the blink of an eye. It often carries a sense of magic or unreality.

Which is correct, "blinking out of existence" or "fading out of existence"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Blinking out of existence" suggests a more abrupt disappearance, while "fading out of existence" implies a gradual decline.