crumble away

USAGE SUMMARY

'crumble away' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the gradual and inevitable destruction of something, or to describe something fading or disappearing quickly. For example, "The walls of the old ruin crumbled away due to years of neglect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Papyri crumble away.

The New York Times - Books

The facade could crumble away without damaging the structural integrity of the tower behind it.

The New York Times - Arts

Clark hasn't dared take the shoe lasts out of them in case they crumble away before her eyes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each chapter breaks down into 40 or 50 sections, which crumble away into little paragraphs, eroded by tiny sentences.

The New York Times - Books

So Mr. Hahn, 50, found himself back in Janesville, collecting unemployment for a time, and watching as the city's industrial base seemed to crumble away.

The New York Times

From that time on, the Habsburg domains in the territory south of the Rhine and Lake Constance began to crumble away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Victorian statuary crumbles away.

The Guardian

Legal despotism eventually crumbles away.

The New York Times

It crumbles away in your hands.

The Guardian - Books

All his beauty had crumbled away.

The Guardian - Books

My life has not crumbled away.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crumble away" to describe a gradual process of disintegration or decline, whether it's physical structures, abstract concepts, or relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "crumble away" to describe sudden or instantaneous events. The phrase implies a gradual process, not an immediate collapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crumble away" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of gradual disintegration or decay. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing physical structures, abstract concepts, and societal changes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "crumble away" effectively describes a gradual process of disintegration or decay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, use "crumble away" to depict the slow deterioration of physical objects, abstract ideas, or societal structures. Avoid using it for sudden events. Consider alternatives like "fall apart", "disintegrate", or "erode" for nuances in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, lending itself to various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall apart

This alternative emphasizes a sudden or dramatic disintegration.

disintegrate

This suggests a complete breakdown into smaller components.

fade away

This indicates a gradual loss of visibility or intensity.

decay

This implies a gradual decomposition due to natural processes.

deteriorate

This refers to a decline in quality or condition.

erode

This suggests a gradual wearing away, often by natural forces.

collapse

This indicates an abrupt failure or loss of effectiveness.

vanish

This indicates a sudden and complete disappearance.

break down

Implies a mechanical or structural failure.

dissolve

Suggests fading or disappearing gradually, often in a liquid.

FAQs

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

You can use "crumble away" to describe something deteriorating over time. For example, "The old building's facade began to "crumble away" after years of neglect."

What's a synonym for "crumble away"?

A synonym for "crumble away" is "fall apart", which also suggests disintegration or decay.

Is it appropriate to use "crumble away" in formal writing?

Yes, "crumble away" is appropriate in formal writing. It is often used in news articles and academic papers. However, consider the context and whether a more precise term might be suitable.

What is the difference between "crumble away" and "disintegrate"?

"Crumble away" suggests a gradual process of breaking down, while "disintegrate" can imply a more rapid or complete breakdown.