blur away

USAGE SUMMARY

"blur away" is a grammatically correct term that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of quickly disappearing or fading away. For example: After a few moments, the details of the argument began to blur away as the couple moved on to other topics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We need their facial features to look clear and the background to blur away.

The New York Times

Christopher, who is also the author of four novels and a study of film noir, is an enjoyably indulgent director: "You're dreaming of the velodrome / the rings of Saturn spinning / with riders who blur away / like those fast-motion films / of flowers blossoming and dying".

The New Yorker

The lines between need and want blur away as the shopping lists are checked off, check-out lines grow longer and longer, people get angrier, and retail staff try to stay out of the fray.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A simple lens produces a very imperfect image, which is usually blurred away from the centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As users continue to talk, the blur fades away – but users can opt to add it back if they want to remain hidden.

TechCrunch

NYPD officials stated following Vassell's death that he had been pointing the pipe at them as if to shoot a gun; in the partially blurred out, somewhat far-away surveillance footage officials released, however, it is unclear whether Vassell is doing so, how quickly the officers start shooting, or whether they'd given him a verbal warning first.

Forbes

But such electrodes "are so far away from the electrical activity that it gets blurred out," Greger said.

Los Angeles Times

By contrast, the Cambodian artist Anida Yoeu Ali's The Buddhist Bug, Into The Night (2015), a big two-screen projection shown on a nearby wall to Chen's paintings, is a kinetically dazzling race through the night-time streets of Phnom Penh, a time-lapse blur that gives away the subtlety of its cultural contexts for an impressive visual impact.

The Guardian - Arts

When Damon Albarn announced last May that he was stepping out as a solo artist, the prospects for a new Blur album seemed further away than ever.

Independent

Something happened when we played there: it was a moment that made me realise Blur hadn't gone away, even after almost 10 years of not doing it.

Independent

Front lighting blurs faults but takes away character; side lighting gives relief and solidity but may show wrinkles and defects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blur away" when you want to describe something that is gradually losing its clarity or definition, either physically or conceptually. For example, "As the years passed, the memories began to blur away."

Common error

While "blur away" is grammatically correct, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "fade" or "dissolve". Consider your audience and the tone of your writing before using it in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blur away" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the action of blurring with the directional particle "away". It describes a process of something becoming less distinct or disappearing gradually. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blur away" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes the process of something becoming less clear or distinct over time. According to Ludwig AI, it's safe to use in your writing. However, it's relatively rare compared to alternatives like ""fade away"" and might not be suitable for highly formal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, with some usage in encyclopedias and scientific sources. When choosing between "blur away" and its alternatives, consider the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fade away

Indicates a gradual disappearance or decline, similar to "blur away" but emphasizes the gradual nature of the process.

blur out

Similar to "blur away", but focuses on the action of obscuring something.

become indistinct

Focuses on the loss of clarity and definition, highlighting the blurring aspect.

lose definition

Emphasizes the loss of clear outlines or shapes, directly related to the concept of blurring.

vanish

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance, more abrupt than "blur away".

become obscure

Indicates something is becoming hidden or unclear, similar to a blurring effect.

obscure

Suggests something is being hidden or made less clear, often through a deliberate action.

dissolve

Implies a gradual disintegration or breaking down, similar to how an image might blur and lose definition.

diminish

Implies a reduction in size, importance, or clarity, which can lead to a blurring effect.

soften

Indicates the edges or outlines become less defined, making the image blurred.

FAQs

What does "blur away" mean?

The phrase "blur away" means to gradually become less clear or distinct, often disappearing or fading from view. It suggests a process of obscuring or losing definition over time.

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

You can use "blur away" to describe memories fading, distinctions becoming less clear, or physical objects losing their sharpness, such as "The sharp lines of the buildings began to "fade away" in the distance."

What are some synonyms for "blur away"?

Synonyms for "blur away" include "fade away", "vanish", "dissolve", "become indistinct", and "lose definition". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "blur away" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "blur away" is not as common as some of its alternatives like "fade away". Consider your audience and the desired level of formality when deciding whether to use it.