disappear like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappear like" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that suddenly and unexpectedly disappears in a quick or mysterious manner. For example: - The magician's assistant disappeared like a puff of smoke, leaving the audience stunned. - The thief vanished from sight, disappearing like a ghost into the night. - The sandcastle slowly disappeared as the tide came in, erasing it like a forgotten memory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It doesn't just disappear like that.

The Guardian - Sport

But you cannot just disappear like that.

The Guardian - Film

The larger-scale arrangements loom up and disappear like mirages.

The New York Times

We can hope that Eminem will disappear, like the typewriter.

The New York Times

He smiles and his eyes disappear, like a cat's.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If not, he will disappear like his father".

The New York Times

We just don't have adult birds disappear like that".

The New York Times - Science

Then they'd disappear like ghosts when the police came round to shut them down.

The New York Times - Magazine

(I'm enjoying watching him gradually disappear, like the smile on the Cheshire Cat).

The Economist

Looking back, Ms. Obeidy said she was determined not to disappear like so many others.

The New York Times

He didn't move away, or disappear like Eykelboom, but he stopped hanging out with the boys.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "disappear like", be mindful to select a simile that resonates with the context. For instance, "The crowd dispersed, disappearing like ants scattering from a disturbed nest."

Common error

Avoid pairing "disappear like" with overused comparisons, such as "magic" or "smoke". Opt for fresh, evocative imagery to enhance your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappear like" functions primarily as a comparative phrase, used to vividly illustrate how something vanishes or ceases to be visible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use. It enhances descriptions by drawing parallels to relatable scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disappear like" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase that vividly illustrates the sudden and often unexpected vanishing of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to emphasize the swiftness and mysterious nature of a disappearance, as supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, "disappear like" maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a broad range of writing styles. To enhance your writing, use "disappear like" with fresh, evocative imagery and avoid overused clichés. Remember, effective communication lies in choosing similes that resonate with the context, allowing you to paint a vivid picture of swift and unexpected disappearances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go missing without a trace

Highlights the absence of any clues or evidence after the disappearance.

evaporate into thin air

Suggests a complete and seemingly impossible disappearance.

vanish as if by magic

Emphasizes the sudden and inexplicable nature of the disappearance, similar to a magic trick.

melt away swiftly

Suggests a rapid and almost imperceptible disappearance.

dissolve into nothingness

Focuses on the reduction to a state of non-existence.

fade into oblivion

Focuses on the gradual disappearance and eventual forgetting of something.

be swallowed up quickly

Conveys the idea of being consumed or engulfed by something, leading to disappearance.

dematerialize as if unreal

Implies that the disappearance involved a physical transformation.

become invisible suddenly

Directly states the act of becoming unseen in a quick manner.

slip away unnoticed

Implies a subtle and undetected departure.

FAQs

How can I use "disappear like" in a sentence?

Use "disappear like" to describe a sudden or mysterious vanishing. For example, "Her hopes "disappeared like" a mirage in the desert."

What are some alternatives to "disappear like"?

You can use alternatives such as "vanish without a trace", "evaporate into thin air", or "fade into oblivion", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "disappear like" or "disappear as"?

"Disappear like" and "disappear as" can both be grammatically correct, but "disappear like" is more frequently used to make a comparison. "Disappear as" is more suitable when describing a role or function, such as "disappear as a leader".

What does it mean when something "disappears like" something else?

It means that the subject vanishes quickly or mysteriously, resembling the object it's compared to. For instance, "His enthusiasm "disappeared like" snow in July", implying it vanished quickly due to changing circumstances.