dry up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dry up" is correct and usable in written English.
In a general sense, it can mean to evaporate, dissipate, or cease. For example, "The rain had finally stopped, and the puddles soon began to dry up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resources dry up.

Harvard Business Review

Dry up the aquifer?

The New York Times

It will dry up.

The New York Times

It would dry up".

The New York Times

"Or you will dry up".

The New Yorker

Its fundraising would dry up.

The New York Times

So sales dry up.

The Washington Post

When orders dry up, they dry up for everyone.

The Economist

"Demographics dry up," he says.

The Guardian

Certain sources dry up," he said.

The New York Times

"When you get older, you dry up.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dry up" in the context of a river or lake, consider the environmental implications and use language that reflects the seriousness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "dry up" interchangeably with phrases like "dry out" in all contexts. "Dry up" often implies a complete cessation or disappearance, while "dry out" focuses more on removing moisture.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "dry up" primarily functions as an intransitive verb indicating a process of losing moisture or ceasing to exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in various contexts. It can also function transitively, meaning to cause something to become dry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "dry up" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, ranging from the literal process of losing moisture to the figurative sense of ceasing or disappearing. Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples from reputable sources confirm its correct usage across diverse contexts. It's important to consider the specific context to interpret the intended meaning, as it can range from neutral descriptions in news reports to informal commands. Be aware of similar phrases, such as "dry out", to use it accurately. Based on the analysis of Ludwig, remember that "dry up" means a wide range of meanings and applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaporate

Single word alternative that focuses on the process of liquid turning into vapor.

desiccate

Focuses on the process of completely drying something out, often in a scientific context.

disappear

Broader term indicating something ceases to exist or be available.

cease to exist

More formal way to express something coming to an end or vanishing.

peter out

Idiomatic phrase suggesting a gradual decline and eventual end.

taper off

Implies a gradual reduction in amount or intensity.

come to an end

A more formal and general way to express the cessation of something.

run out

Focuses on the depletion of a resource or supply.

become depleted

Emphasizes the state of being emptied or exhausted.

stop flowing

Specifically used when referring to liquids or resources that are no longer available.

FAQs

How can I use "dry up" in a sentence?

You can use "dry up" in various contexts, such as "The river will "dry up" during the summer" or "His enthusiasm seemed to "dry up" after the criticism".

What does it mean when someone tells me to "dry up"?

When someone tells you to "dry up", it's an informal way of telling you to stop talking, often because they are annoyed or don't want to hear what you're saying.

What can I say instead of "dry up" when talking about water sources?

You can use alternatives like "evaporate", "become depleted", or "cease to flow" when referring to water sources /s/depleted

Which is correct, "dry up" or "dried up"?

"Dry up" is the infinitive form, while "dried up" is the past tense and past participle. Use "dry up" for future or general statements and "dried up" for past events or descriptions.