crumbles away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crumbles away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that gradually disintegrates or deteriorates over time, often metaphorically. Example: "As the old building stood abandoned for years, it slowly crumbled away, leaving only memories of its former glory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 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

Atkinson is terrific at setting the stage for her story; she just hasn't given it a very good foundation, and eventually it crumbles away to nothing.

The New York Times - Books

"And so it goes, and so do we, from recitals to reunions to anniversaries, round and round and round again, and so we all move on as it all crumbles away like sand".

The New Yorker

In Las Vegas, a particularly bad meal at Mix, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, leaves him with a momentary crisis of conscience: A tranche of seared foie gras is so overcooked, it crumbles away in the mouth.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Papyri crumble away.

The New York Times - Books

All his beauty had crumbled away.

The Guardian - Books

My life has not crumbled away.

The Guardian - Tech

Tells about the crumbling away of the Finch fortune.

The New Yorker

Infrastructure, education, health care and jobs crumbled away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crumbles away" to describe the slow deterioration of physical structures, abstract concepts, or relationships over time, evoking a sense of loss or decline.

Common error

While "crumbles away" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or technical writing where more precise terminology might be necessary to convey the specific type of degradation or failure. Consider using terms like 'deteriorates', 'degrades', or 'disintegrates' for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crumbles away" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used intransitively. It describes a process of gradual disintegration or decline. Ludwig's examples show it applied to physical objects like buildings and walls, as well as abstract concepts like relationships and reputations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crumbles away" is a phrasal verb used to describe the gradual deterioration or disintegration of something, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. Usage is most common in News & Media and Science contexts and shows a neutral register. Related phrases include "disintegrates gradually" and "falls apart". When using the phrase, be mindful of its gradual connotation and avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise terminology may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disintegrates gradually

Focuses on the slow breakdown of something into smaller parts.

decays slowly

Emphasizes the progressive rotting or decomposition process.

falls apart

Highlights the breaking up into pieces, often implying a lack of structural integrity.

wears down

Indicates a gradual reduction in size or effectiveness due to friction or use.

erodes over time

Specifically refers to the wearing away by natural forces like water or wind, or more metaphorical contexts.

dissolves gradually

Implies a slow fading or disappearing, often into a liquid or abstract sense.

deteriorates steadily

Focuses on the continuous decline in quality or condition.

breaks down over time

Highlights the gradual failure or malfunction of something.

collapses slowly

Emphasizes the gradual falling inward or downward, losing structural support.

fades away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of visibility, significance, or strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "crumbles away" to describe the gradual deterioration or disintegration of something. For example, "The old building slowly crumbled away over the years" or "Their relationship crumbled away after years of neglect".

What are some synonyms for "crumbles away"?

Alternatives to "crumbles away" include "falls apart", "disintegrates gradually", or "erodes over time", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "crumbled away" or should I use a different tense?

The past tense "crumbled away" is correct when referring to something that has already deteriorated. Use "crumbles away" for present or future scenarios. For instance, "The statue crumbled away after centuries of exposure".

What's the difference between "crumbles away" and "breaks down"?

"Crumbles away" often implies a more gradual and less forceful disintegration compared to "breaks down". "Breaks down" can suggest a sudden or more complete failure, while "crumbles away" emphasizes the slow process of decay. For example, a machine "breaks down", but an old wall "crumbles away".