drop out of sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop out of sight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something suddenly disappears or becomes impossible to locate. For example, "After losing the court case, the company's founder dropped out of sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

POWER POINT and ANGLO SAXON are making their debuts today, and this is only the second time DROP OUT OF SIGHT has been used.

The New York Times

"You let things drop out of sight, then you picked them up again further on".

The New York Times - Books

"Intuitively I knew, though, that his voice would never drop out of sight or fade away," he continued.

The New York Times - Arts

The country was so flat, but there were slight depressions in it, and things would drop out of sight.

The New Yorker

Many of those who desert their positions in the mostly Sunni rank-and-file army are either arrested, killed or simply drop out of sight, residents have reported.

The New York Times

I was rewarded at Broadway 1602 with a selection of small pieces by several remarkable female artists who had visibility decades ago, only to drop out of sight.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Some New Orleans officials noted that he was not a constant presence, appearing and dropping out of sight.

The New York Times

After dropping out of sight for a spell, Denson is back with a terrific fish story in THE WEATHERMAN'S DAUGHTERS (Forge/Tom Doherty, $24.95).

The New York Times - Books

He drops out of sight.

The New York Times - Books

Instead, he dropped out of sight.

The Washington Post

But Mr. Seale had dropped out of sight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person who intentionally disappears, use "drop out of sight" to suggest a deliberate effort to avoid attention or contact.

Common error

Avoid using "drop out of sight" when describing something that disappears accidentally or due to natural processes. For unintended situations, consider alternatives like "disappear" or "vanish".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop out of sight" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It is used to describe the action of someone or something disappearing or becoming unnoticeable, as supported by Ludwig's examples of people who "drop out of sight" after events or periods of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Arts

9%

Books

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop out of sight" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of disappearing or becoming unnoticeable, often with an implication of intentionality. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, ranging from news reports to casual conversation. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Remember to reserve its use for situations where the disappearance is at least somewhat intentional, rather than purely accidental. Related phrases like "vanish from view" or "disappear from radar" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vanish from view

Emphasizes a sudden disappearance from what can be seen.

disappear from radar

Suggests a loss of contact or tracking, often used metaphorically.

go missing

Implies a lack of known whereabouts, often concerning people.

become invisible

Indicates an inability to be seen, either literally or figuratively.

fade into obscurity

Suggests a gradual decline into being unknown or forgotten.

slip away

Implies a subtle and often unnoticed departure.

recede from memory

Focuses on the gradual loss of a memory, implying something is no longer easily recalled.

lose relevance

Indicates a decline in importance or significance.

cease to exist

Indicates something literally ends to exist.

be forgotten

This refers to something or someone to not be in anyone's memory anymore.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop out of sight" to describe someone or something that disappears, often intentionally. For example, "After the scandal, he decided to "drop out of sight" for a while".

What does "drop out of sight" mean?

The phrase "drop out of sight" means to disappear or become impossible to find or contact. It often implies a deliberate act of withdrawal.

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

Some alternatives include "vanish from view", "disappear from radar", or "go missing". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "drop out of sight" a formal or informal expression?

"Drop out of sight" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "recede from memory" or "cease to exist" depending on the intended meaning.