dips out of sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dips out of sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that becomes less visible or disappears from view, often suddenly or unexpectedly. Example: "As the sun set behind the mountains, the last rays of light dipped out of sight, leaving the sky dark and starry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When the beetle reaches the underside of the log, it pauses, then dips out of sight.

The New York Times

On those long white nights, when the sun dips out of sight for only a few hours, crowds gather on the banks of the Neva River, even shabby hotels fill with tourists, and at the venerable Maryinsky (formerly, for a time, Kirov) Theater, the seats at the Stars of the White Nights festival are taken up by rich patrons from all over the world.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pick an out-of-sight hiding place.

WikiHow

"Then it dipped out of sight when it hit the building".

The New York Times

Buddy had dipped out of sight; in his place was a video projection of phosphorescent green vapor, undulating heavenward.

The New Yorker

As they took in the fresh air, a young man in a baseball cap came running out of the resort, lugging a set of golf clubs over his shoulder, and caught up with the threesome just before they dipped out of sight behind a grassy hill.

The New York Times

Why, when the sun sets over the sea, does a green spot often seem to appear above it just before it dips completely out of sight?The answer, Andrew Young of San Diego State University told the American Astronomical Society, is that it doesn't—or, rather, the flash isn't green.

The Economist

I was relieved to see it shoot off like a rocket, dipping over the hedge and out of sight.

The Guardian

I had moved out of sight into a dip in the ground beside the spinney when the shooting began.

The Guardian

Out of sight.

The New Yorker

Out of sight, on hold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dips out of sight" to create a vivid image of something disappearing quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, adding a touch of dynamism to your writing.

Common error

While descriptive, avoid using "dips out of sight" excessively in formal reports or academic papers where a more neutral term like "disappears" or "recedes" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dips out of sight" functions primarily as a verb phrase within a sentence. It typically describes the action of something disappearing or becoming hidden from view. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English to depict something disappearing from view, often suddenly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dips out of sight" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes something disappearing quickly from view. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general English writing. While not overly common, it adds a vivid image to your writing. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in highly formal contexts where a more neutral term like "disappears" might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappears from view

This alternative describes a complete disappearance from sight, emphasizing the act of vanishing.

vanishes from sight

Similar to "disappears from view", this option highlights the sudden and complete nature of the disappearance.

recedes from view

This suggests a gradual movement away from sight, implying a distance is increasing.

fades from view

This option indicates a gradual decrease in visibility, as if something is becoming less distinct.

moves out of sight

A more literal description of something leaving the field of vision by moving.

slips out of view

Implies a quick and subtle disappearance, suggesting it might be unnoticed.

goes out of sight

A simpler and more direct way of saying something is no longer visible.

is no longer visible

A descriptive phrase stating the lack of visibility.

becomes obscured

This suggests something is blocking the view, rather than the object itself moving.

is hidden from view

Emphasizes that something is intentionally or unintentionally concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "dips out of sight" in a sentence?

You can use "dips out of sight" to describe something that quickly disappears from view. For example, "The sun "dips out of sight" behind the clouds."

What does "dips out of sight" mean?

"Dips out of sight" means to disappear quickly, often suggesting a downward motion or sudden obscuring of view. It evokes a sense of something briefly visible before vanishing.

What are some alternatives to "dips out of sight"?

Alternatives include "disappears from view", "vanishes from sight", or "recedes from view", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "dips out of sight" formal or informal?

"Dips out of sight" is generally considered somewhat informal. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal writing might benefit from using alternatives like "disappears from view".